D+
66%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
34%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
86%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleSouth Chicago Heights/100k peopleIllinois/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime133n/a (estimate)3,5192,0042,119
Murder0n/a0.05.85.0
Rape0n/a0.046.937.5
Robbery2n/a52.990.260.6
Assault7n/a185.2146.3256.1
Violent crime9n/a (estimate)238289359
Burglary10n/a264.5290.5229.2
Theft98n/a2,592.61,134.41,272.1
Vehicle theft16n/a423.3290.4258.8
Property crime124n/a (estimate)3,2801,7151,760

South Chicago Heights crime map

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The South Chicago Heights crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in South Chicago Heights as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The South Chicago Heights crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the South Chicago Heights crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in South Chicago Heights, IL

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the South Chicago Heights crime rate is higher than the national average by 66%. Specifically, there were 9 violent crimes in South Chicago Heights, equivalent to 238 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 33.7%. Furthermore, South Chicago Heights recorded 124 property crimes, amounting to 3280 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 86.4%.

During the most recently reported crime year, South Chicago Heights experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

With a total of 16 vehicle thefts last year, South Chicago Heights has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 423 per 100,000 people. This lands South Chicago Heights in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 237.

Is South Chicago Heights a Safe Place to Live?

Is South Chicago Heights a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, South Chicago Heights has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 66%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.36 daily incidents, encompassing 0.02 violent crimes and 0.34 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of South Chicago Heights as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in South Chicago Heights Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in South Chicago Heights has decreased by 26.5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not South Chicago Heights is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 50%, while property crime has decreased by 23.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in South Chicago Heights.

Potential Causes for Crime in South Chicago Heights

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. South Chicago Heights, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In South Chicago Heights, 77.1% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In South Chicago Heights, the cost of living is 9.72% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Compare South Chicago Heights, IL Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • South Chicago Heights crime rates are 66% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in South Chicago Heights are 34% lower than the national average
      • In South Chicago Heights you have a 1 in 29 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • South Chicago Heights is safer than 23% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in South Chicago Heights has increased by 38%

      South Chicago Heights, IL Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In South Chicago Heights (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in South Chicago Heights, per 100,000 residents. In South Chicago Heights, the total number of daily crimes is 1.76 times more than the Illinois average and 1.66 times more than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in South Chicago Heights are 1.21 times less than the Illinois average and 1.51 times less than the national average. For property crime, South Chicago Heights has a daily crime rate that is 1.91 times more than the Illinois average and 1.86 times more than the daily national average.

        How Safe is South Chicago Heights (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in South Chicago Heights, Illinois compared to other areas of Illinois, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is South Chicago Heights safe? In the graphs above, it shows that South Chicago Heights is safer than 12% of Illinois cities, and 23% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Illinois, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than South Chicago Heights. At this time, South Chicago Heights sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in South Chicago Heights

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in South Chicago Heights is 1 in 421
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in South Chicago Heights is 1 in 31
        The chance of being a victim of crime in South Chicago Heights is 1 in 29
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in South Chicago Heights? In South Chicago Heights, IL you have a 1 in 421 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 31 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 29 chance of becoming a victim of crime in South Chicago Heights.

        Year Over Year Crime In South Chicago Heights (per 100,000 people)

        An ideal indicator of whether South Chicago Heights is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in South Chicago Heights has decreased by 35% and the rate of property crime in South Chicago Heights has increased by 50%. The total crime rate in South Chicago Heights has increased by 38% year to year.

        South Chicago Heights police department

        Item South Chicago Heights Illinois National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)1130,690558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residentsn/a2.63.3

        Sex offenders in Illinois

        State Total offenders Illinois /100K National /100K
        Illinois32,213263266
        There are a total of 32,213 sex offenders in Illinois. This yields a total of 263 sex offenders in Illinois per 100,000 residents which is 1% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        St. John, IN18,87224129153
        Lowell, IN10,14626201228
        Lake Dalecarlia, IN1,84744194237
        Cedar Lake, IN13,30266263328
        Dyer, IN16,41712344356
        Beecher, IL4,53243385427
        Peotone, IL4,16271357429
        South Chicago Heights, IL4,1882383,2803,519

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Lonsdale, MN4,18640299339
        Nokomis, FL4,186139739878
        Rose Hill, KS4,1861141,0041,118
        Pocomoke City, MD4,1905412,8653,406
        North East, PA4,1851771,0311,208
        South Chicago Heights, IL4,1882383,2803,519
        Source: The South Chicago Heights, IL crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.