Is Chicago downtown safe now?

The bottom line is that downtown Chicago is safe to visit, but you should do your research and plan your trip according to your comfort level.

Is downtown Chicago safe right now?

Daniel Epps, a seasoned Chicago resident, assures that the city's tourist areas are as safe as those in any other large city. These include downtown, the Magnificent Mile, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, South Loop, Near West Side, Wrigleyville, River North, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Hyde Park, Bridgeport, and Pilsen.

Is it safe to walk downtown Chicago at night?

Walking around downtown Chicago at night is a norm for visitors and citizens, and most locations have activity through the evening. Busy locations such as the Loop, Riverwalk, and Magnificent Mile will have a high density of people, and thus, will be safer than less crowded streets.

Is Chicago safer now than in the past?

So, the fact of the matter is, Chicago has seen, I think, a 40 percent decline in shooting victims this year compared to the same time frame last year. It's seen a 30-something percent decline in murder. Nationwide, in cities of all sizes, we're seeing double-digit, 20-something percent declines in murders.

Where is it safe to stay in downtown Chicago?

If this is your first time visiting Chicago, the best area to stay in Chicago is in the Downtown area, including the Magnificent Mile, the Loop, and River North. You really can't go wrong with these neighbourhoods.

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Which part of Chicago is safest?

Edison Park holds a strong record for low crime and high community engagement. Neighbors look out for each other. Residents stop to talk, attend events, and build trust that keeps streets safe. You won't feel anonymous or unseen.

Is crime bad in downtown Chicago?

The following excerpt from the study demonstrates that downtown crime accounts for a very small percentage of over-all city crime: "Local data on property and violent crimes shows that in New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago, downtowns are some of the safest places to be.

Is crime increasing in Chicago?

A new study shows Chicago's crime decline is part of a national trend that's driving murders, carjackings and sexual assaults below pre-pandemic levels. The report from the Council on Criminal Justice shows nationally, violent crime rates for the first half of 2025 were lower than in the first half of 2019.

Is the Navy Pier safe at night?

To safeguard the security, welfare and safety of our guests, tenants and staff, the Pier provides multiple and visible layers of security measures that cover the entire property as well as the parking facility, all monitored by personnel, canine officers and surveillance present 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

How to stay safe in Chicago as a tourist?

To be safe in Chicago, you should stay in the touristy areas of downtown Chicago like The Loop, River North, Lincoln Park or on the Magnificent Mile. These areas are particularly busy and well patrolled by the police.

Is Millennium Park safe at night?

Yes it's fine. Just use normal big-city precautions and common sense. Area around the Fairmount is kinda dead at night, if you want to have more options for places to eat or more lively streets, I might recommend looking across the river to the north, which is a little bit more lively.

Where to avoid in downtown Chicago?

Based on crime rates, some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago include West Garfield Park, East Garfield Park, Grand Crossing, North Lawndale, Englewood, West Englewood, Austin, South Shore, Riverdale, and Washington Park.

Is the magnificent mile in downtown Chicago safe?

This is the list of the safest, most frequently visited neighborhoods for tourists. Downtown Chicago, the Loop and Millennium Park areas, is very safe for tourists. Generally, downtown Chicago and popular tourist areas such as the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and the Loop are relatively safe for tourists.

Is the Chicago Riverwalk safe?

However, this area is really safe, generally speaking, and is usually well-monitored, being the Chicago Riverwalk. The city of Chicago is committed to safety in public spaces, from police car patrols to manned beats—most visibly downtown and around large events.

Is it safe to walk from Navy Pier to Millennium Park?

If you are walking with someone else I think it would also be safe in the evening hours. My husband & I feel secure walking this area in the evening, but I would say that it's best to do this before 10:00 or 10:30pm. It is a fair distance between Millenium Park & Navy Pier.

Is it safe to visit Chicago now?

If you're traveling to Chicago for vacation or a weekend getaway, you probably won't have much to be concerned about. Yes, it's safe for travelers.

What happens at Navy Pier?

Completed in 1916, Navy Pier is undeniably one of Chicago's top attractions. Stretching into Lake Michigan, this year-round destination truly comes to life in the summer, with fireworks displays, live music, theatre, and cruises setting sail daily.

What is the most common crime in Chicago?

Out of the 1000 most recently reported crimes, the most common are battery and theft. Both are around 200/1000, making up around 40% of recent Chicago crimes. Assault and criminal damage are the next two highest types of crime. Both are around 100/1000, making up around 20% of recent Chicago crime.

Is the loop area in Chicago safe?

The area is generally safe although some caution is needed at night, and you should remain aware of your surroundings after dark.

Where do most homicides happen in Chicago?

The community areas of Englewood on the South Side, and Austin on the West side, for example, have homicide rates that are ten times higher than other parts of the city.

What's the safest side of Chicago?

Is downtown Chicago safe for tourists reddit?

Where there is people, there will always be crime. That being said, IMO, that area is very safe. Use common sense (don't do into alleys alone, keep your phone in your pocket and don't use headphones at night), be aware of your surroundings, and you will be fine.

Where to stay when visiting Chicago?

Where not to stay in Chicago?

Is Chicago getting safer?

And shootings have decreased by 25 percent year-to-date compared with 2024. According to FBI data, Chicago doesn't even make the top 25 most dangerous cities in 2024–2025.