You can review crime rates via this pretty amazing interactive map from Trulia.
Check it out here: http://www.trulia.com/crime/#!cook-il/13/41.87542,-87.62457/…
It uses the data from the local police departments, but presents them in a useful way.

Why are people so reluctant to simply refer somebody to a neutral non-discriminatory website. There is no ethics violation against that.

The website I have recommended clients for years is the Chicago Police Departments. It's not super hip and design oriented but its the ultimate source. You can filter for every imaginable crime. And before you jump to conclusions, its important to look at addresses throughout the city to get an accurate idea of both volume and type of crime.

http://gis.chicagopolice.org/CLEARMap/startPage.htm

Try this website: http://www.policymap.com/city-crime-rates/index.html or simply go to cityofchicago.org & navigate your way to the crimes report.

Good luck!

When it comes to any safety/crime related issues, it's always best to contact the local police department with all your questions, hear all there is to hear firsthand. If unfamiliar with the area(s) do revisit more than once and at different times of day, possibly chat with locals/neighbors. Real estate professionals are prohibited from steering, enticing a buyer to purchase/rent, or not, in specific neighborhoods.
http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/
https://www.crimereports.com/

Stop by the police department and they will be able to advise you on the area. Take walks through the area at different times and visit stores in the area and ask the owners. Debbie Bergthold-Smith Classic Real Estate

Just for your general information, Realtors by law are not allowed to give their opinion, impression of certain areas, whether one is better than another, not whether one is safer than another, whether they think they know or not..... the risk is that clients will be directed by the Realtor into a certain neighborhood or away from a certain neighborhood for whatever reasons and that could and possibly would fall into "steering" which is illegal.
Therefore use the internet, the local police department once you know the neighborhoods you are interested in, and once you narrow down a few properties, by all means feel free to talk to the neighbors and ask them what
they like about their neighborhood, they can tell you....

Sorry it's the law.......
If you are working with a local Realtor which by all means you definitely should do, I am assuming that you might be a first time home buyer, you need the protection of a Professional Realtor, finding the right properties for you in size, location and price, compare them to others and those recently sold, discuss the offer, negotiate the best terms and price on your behalf and guide you through the entire process like
your inspection (never ever buy a property without an inspection, even though it will cost you several 100 $ in advance, better spending those, than buying a property that may cost you 1000's in repairs down the road!)
until you get to the successful closing, and also have you pre-approved in the beginning so you are not
buying a home beyond your ability.... Careful and take it slow!!!!

Good Luck a happy 2012
Edith YourRealtor4Life~! and your Chicago and Northern Illinois Expert
Working always in the very BEST interest of her clients, buyers, sellers and investors alike....
Edith Always goes the X-tra Mile with a Smile for her clients!
Referrals of your friends, family and acquaintances are always highly appreciated
htttp://www.tinyurl.com/MeetEdithHere

Go to City of Chicago .org then search crime statistics by neighborhood.

we as agents cant comment on such a thing. If your interested, check out the website, crime by block .com or something of that nature. Really, the best person to know whats safe or not is you. check it out at all different times of the day and night. Go on the weekends and during rush hour. See if it fits your needs.

Check with the Chicago Police Department - They have statistics

http://gis.chicagopolice.org/