Cook County Crime & Safety

Cook County, Illinois

Safety Score

13/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2543.8

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

350.0

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2193.8

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

13/100

Higher = safer

State avg 70/100

State Safety Rank

#94

of 100 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Cook County, Illinois

Cook County Crime vs National Averages

Cook County's total crime rate of 2,543.8 per 100K is slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.0, reflecting its urban complexity.

Urban Challenges in the State Context

Cook County's crime rate of 2,543.8 is roughly three times higher than the Illinois state average of 835.0. With 159 agencies reporting, it remains the most active public safety area in the state.

Cook Compared to Champaign County

Cook County's crime rate is similar to Champaign County's 2,481.1, though Cook handles a much larger total volume. It faces significantly higher crime levels than rural peers like Coles County.

High Property Crime, Moderate Violent Crime

Property crime accounts for 2,193.8 incidents per 100K, while violent crime sits at 350.0. Interestingly, Cook's violent crime rate is actually lower than the national average of 369.8.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Cook County, IL?

Cook County has a total crime rate of 2543.8 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (350.0 per 100K) and property crimes (2193.8 per 100K).

Is Cook County, IL safe?

Cook County has a safety score of 13/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #94 out of 100 counties in Illinois for safety (1 = safest).

How does Cook County crime compare to the Illinois average?

Cook County's crime rate of 2,543.8 is roughly three times higher than the Illinois state average of 835.0. With 159 agencies reporting, it remains the most active public safety area in the state.

What types of crime are most common in Cook County?

Property crime accounts for 2,193.8 incidents per 100K, while violent crime sits at 350.0. Interestingly, Cook's violent crime rate is actually lower than the national average of 369.8.

How is crime data measured and reported for Cook County?

Crime data for Cook County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Cook County?

Cook County has a safety score of 13/100, which is below the Illinois average of 70/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.