Gun Violence in Chicago Is Decreasing — But Data Tell a More Complicated Story
Since spiking during the pandemc, Chicago homicide numbers have dropped steadily over the past five years. But the data show a disturbing trend.
Data: Chicago’s Gun-Related Crime Rates Dropping in 2025
There have been 1,602 gun-related crimes in Chicago so far in 2025. With two months left in the year, these crimes have decreased by 35.9%.
Data: Crime Rates See Drop in 2024 but Still High Overall
Homicides fell by almost 8% compared to last year, reaching its lowest point since 2019. Shootings also declined by 7%, with fewer victims than in 2023.
ShotSpotter Alerts and Chicago Homicide Data Since 1990
ShotSpotter is no more in Chicago. Ethan Przybylski maps ShotSpotter data within Chicago neighborhoods in its final month.
The Youth and System That Contribute to Chicago’s Rise in Carjackings
In March 2024 alone, there were almost 100 reported carjackings in Chicago, according to Chicago Police Department data. Among many arrested are youth under age 18.
Chicago Crime Rate Increasing; Homicide Rate Dropping
Take a deep-dive into Chicago crime data using stats from the city's data portal and other sources. While homicides are down, robberies and car thefts are up.
Data: Chicago Schools Spared in Gun Violence Epidemic
Chicago is plagued by mass shootings throughout the city, but data show that one area has largely been spared -- the school system.
West Loop Kidnappings Have Residents Frightened
West Loop residents are concerned after three kidnapping attempts in August led to only one arrest. Public outcry has been directed at city officials.
Chicago Burglaries up 18% Since 2021, Largest Increase in 5 Years
The area surrounding the Ukrainian Village, including Lincoln Park, Bucktown, Lakeview and the Near North Side, has seen 820 reported burglaries in from Jan. 1 to Nov. 13.
Domestic Abuse at Top of Chicago Arrests for May 2022, Data Show
A domestic battery with bodily harm offense was the most likely reason for someone to be arrested in Chicago in May 2022, according to Chicago Police Department data.
Chicago Carjackings Continue to Rise During the Pandemic
Chicago had a 31% increase in carjackings in just one year following the start of the pandemic, between 2020 and 2021. The city's numbers are higher than every other large city.
Vandalism Increasing in Chicago Since Start of the Pandemic
Vandalism and petty crimes have increased significantly since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, and crime experts have cited several reasons as to why.
Crime on the Rise in Chicago’s 31st Ward Neighborhoods
So far, 413 crimes have occurred in Chicago's 31st Ward since the start of 2022. Theft and battery lead the list, but more violent crimes have been showing up on the police blotter.
Catalytic Converter Thefts on the Rise in Jefferson Park
Within the past several months, the 16th Police District of Jefferson Park in Chicago has released three community alerts regarding a spree of catalytic converter thefts.
Chicago Sees Surge in Robberies During the Pandemic
Renata Wang, a sophomore at the University of Illinois at Chicago, boarded a plane to her home country of China two years ago and decided to continue her academic goals through online courses.
Data: Northwest, West Sides Hotbeds for Abandoned Vehicles
While carjackings have been an issue in Chicago, so have abandoned vehicles. Data shows the West and Northwest Sides are hotbeds for them.
