Is Andersonville Chicago Safe? Safety Demystified

Is Andersonville Chicago Safe? Here's What the Data Says

Is andersonville chicago safe? The short answer: yes, for the most part — and the numbers back it up.

Here's a quick snapshot before we dig deeper:

Andersonville sits on Chicago's North Side, tucked within the larger Edgewater community. It's a walkable, vibrant neighborhood known for its independent shops along Clark Street, a strong sense of community, and a welcoming atmosphere that residents consistently describe as friendly and approachable.

When it comes to safety, Andersonville outperforms most of Chicago — with violent crime running 26% lower than the city average. That said, like any urban neighborhood, it's not without its nuances. Certain crime types, like assault and auto theft, run above the national baseline and are worth understanding before you move in or visit.

This guide breaks it all down clearly — the stats, the comparisons, and what it actually feels like to live there.

Is Andersonville Chicago Safe? Analyzing the Crime Rates

To truly understand safety in Andersonville, we have to look past the headlines and dive into the actual data. As of July 2026, the overall crime index in Andersonville sits at 102, which is just 2% above the national average baseline of 100. When you compare this to the broader city of Chicago, which carries an average crime index of 121, Andersonville is significantly more secure. In fact, it is statistically safer than 67% of all neighborhoods in Chicago.

According to neighborhood-level data from the Andersonville Crime Rate & Safety - Chicago, IL | DoorProfit  report, the neighborhood ranks 122nd out of 219 neighborhoods in Chicago for overall safety. This places it comfortably in the upper tier of the city's residential areas, earning an admirable A- safety grade from local analytical platforms.

However, we must differentiate between violent crime and property crime to get an accurate picture of what life is like on these tree-lined streets.

Is Andersonville Chicago Safe from Violent Crime?

Violent crime in Andersonville is remarkably low compared to both local and national standards. The violent crime rate in the neighborhood is 16% below the national average (with a violent crime index of 84). 

If we look at the per-capita numbers:

• Andersonville Violent Crime Rate: 6.62 incidents per 1,000 people.
• Chicago Overall Violent Crime Rate: 9.00 incidents per 1,000 people.

According to the comprehensive report on Is Andersonville, Chicago, Safe to Live or Visit in 2024? , the neighborhood ranks 80th out of 219 Chicago neighborhoods for violent crime safety. 

When we break down specific violent crime categories per 100,000 residents, the statistics reveal:

• Assault: The assault rate stands at 282.7 per 100,000 residents. Interestingly, assault is the most elevated violent crime concern in the area, with an index of 135 (35% above the national average).
• Robbery: The robbery rate is 135.5 per 100,000 residents, which ranks 53rd safest out of Chicago's 219 neighborhoods.
• Murder: The murder rate is 6.1 per 100,000 residents (index 103). While technically 3% above the national baseline, it is 17% lower than the Chicago city average, ranking 52nd safest in the city.
• Rape: This is the lowest-risk crime category in the neighborhood, with a rate of 40.7 per 100,000 residents. This translates to an index of 21, which is a staggering 79% below the national average.

These numbers show that while random violent crime is incredibly rare here, disputes that lead to assault charges do occasionally occur, often concentrated around busy nightlife hours.

Is Andersonville Chicago Safe from Property Crime?

Like many highly walkable, bustling urban commercial districts, property crime is more common than violent crime in Andersonville. However, it still remains below national and city-wide averages.

The property crime rate in Andersonville is 12% below the national average (index 88).

• Andersonville Property Crime Rate: 16.22 incidents per 1,000 people.
• Chicago Overall Property Crime Rate: 35.71 incidents per 1,000 people.

According to the Edgewater Neighborhood Guide, property crimes are the primary driver of police reports in the North Side area. A closer look at the data reveals the following breakdown per 100,000 residents:

• Theft/Larceny: This is the most common property crime, with a rate of 2,042.8 per 100,000 residents (index 104, or 4% above the national average).
• Burglary: The burglary rate is 500.1 per 100,000 residents. This is graded as a relatively low-risk category, indexing at 66, which is 34% below the national average.
• Motor Vehicle Theft: The auto theft rate is 284 per 100,000 residents (index 93). While it is 7% below the national average, local assessments from Ovogo grade auto theft risk as "very high" (D-) because it is a persistent city-wide issue that affects parked cars on residential streets.

To put these property crime numbers in perspective, let's look at the simple progression of how property crimes typically occur in the area:

Safety Comparison: Andersonville vs. Surrounding Areas

Andersonville does not exist in a vacuum. It is a distinct, historic enclave nestled within the larger Edgewater Chicago community area on the far North Side. This geographic placement gives it a unique safety profile compared to its immediate neighbors.

To understand how the area compares, let's look at the surrounding North Side neighborhoods:

• Edgewater: Because Andersonville is technically a sub-neighborhood of Edgewater, they share many similarities. However, the commercial heart of Andersonville along Clark Street tends to see slightly different foot traffic patterns than the high-rise corridors of Edgewater Beach.
• Uptown: Located directly south of Andersonville, Uptown has a more intense urban feel. While Uptown has a rich entertainment history, its overall crime index is higher than Andersonville's.
• Lincoln Park: Located further south, Lincoln Park is often characterized as a highly polished area with lots of green space, but it also deals with its own share of property crime due to high density.
• Rogers Park: Located north of Edgewater, Rogers Park is incredibly diverse but experiences slightly higher overall crime rates than Andersonville.

The table below illustrates how these areas stack up against each other using key safety indicators:

As the data shows, choosing to live in Andersonville or renting in nearby Chicago Edgewater puts you in one of the most secure pockets of the city.

Resident Perspectives and Practical Safety Tips

While statistics provide an objective baseline, the lived experience of local residents tells a much warmer story. On community forums like Nextdoor and Niche, residents consistently praise the area for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere. According to the Andersonville - Chicago, IL - Niche  profile, residents celebrate the neighborhood's high walkability, active commercial district, and exceptionally pet-friendly culture.

Many local reviews point out that the neighborhood feels like a small town hidden inside a massive metropolis. It is highly regarded as an exceptional spot for community events, and it is a popular destination for families during autumn festivities. 

However, community discussions on Andersonville, Chicago crime rates and safety statistics  do occasionally highlight minor local anxieties. For example, residents near the lakefront and local parks sometimes report opportunistic bicycle thefts.

To maintain peace of mind and protect your belongings, we recommend following these practical safety tips:

• Secure Your Vehicle: Since auto theft and vehicle break-ins represent the most common property crimes on the North Side, always park in well-lit areas. Use a steering wheel lock, never leave valuables in plain sight, and ensure your windows are fully rolled up.
• Be Mindful of Deliveries: Package theft can occur in any high-density area. If you live in one of the many Edgewater Apartment Buildings, utilize secure package lockers or coordinate deliveries for times when you are home.
• Stay Alert at Night: While the commercial strip along Clark Street is well-lit and highly active, residential side streets can be more peaceful. When walking home late at night from transit hubs, keep your head up, avoid looking at your phone, and stay in well-lit pathways.
• Keep Valuables Secure Near the Beach: If you are heading east to enjoy the lakefront or the popular dog beaches, keep a close eye on your belongings. Opportunistic thefts can happen quickly if bags are left unattended on the sand.

Frequently Asked Questions about Andersonville Safety

How does Andersonville safety compare to the Chicago average?

Andersonville is significantly safer than the Chicago average. Its overall crime rate is 19% lower than the city-wide average, and it is statistically safer than 67% of all neighborhoods in Chicago. While Chicago experiences an average of 9.00 violent crimes and 35.71 property crimes per 1,000 residents, Andersonville sees just 6.62 violent crimes and 16.22 property crimes per 1,000 residents.

Is Andersonville safe to walk around at night?

Yes, Andersonville is generally considered very safe to walk around at night, especially along the main commercial corridors of Clark Street and Ashland Avenue. These streets feature active foot traffic, vibrant dining options, and good street lighting. However, as with any urban area, it is wise to remain aware of your surroundings and stick to well-traveled routes when walking through more peaceful residential blocks late at night.

What are the most common crimes in Andersonville?

The most common crimes in Andersonville are property-related, specifically larceny-theft (such as package theft and bicycle theft) and motor vehicle theft. While violent crime is rare, assault is the most frequently reported category within that division, though these incidents are typically isolated rather than random acts of street violence.

Conclusion

When we demystify the data, the answer to is andersonville chicago safe is clear. Andersonville stands out as an exceptionally secure, welcoming, and vibrant neighborhood on Chicago's North Side. With violent crime rates well below the national average and an overall safety profile that beats out the majority of the city, it remains one of the most desirable places to live, work, and explore.

If you love the charm of Andersonville but want to experience the absolute best of North Side luxury living, look just a few blocks east to Edgewater. At The Heron Apartments by Flats®, we offer modern, pet-friendly luxury apartments that place you right next door to everything Andersonville and the lakefront have to offer. Our building features premium amenities, including in-unit laundry, a stunning rooftop lounge, and adaptable Ori units designed to fit your dynamic lifestyle.

Ready to find your next home in a secure, thriving community? Explore our Edgewater Chicago neighborhood guide and schedule a tour with us today!