Frequently Asked Questions about North Lawndale
What is it like to live in North Lawndale, Chicago, IL?
North Lawndale, on Chicago’s West Side, is a predominantly residential neighborhood with active community organizations and ongoing redevelopment. The area has higher poverty and violent-crime rates than Chicago’s citywide averages. Public transit is available via CTA bus routes and nearby Pink Line stations, and Douglass Park provides the neighborhood's largest public green space. Housing is generally more affordable than the city median, and multiple community-led and municipal investment projects were underway as of 2025.
Is North Lawndale, Chicago, IL expensive?
North Lawndale is generally more affordable than the Chicago city average, with lower median home prices and rents. Median household income and property values in the neighborhood are below Chicago’s median, reflecting a lower overall cost of living. Recent community investment and development have produced localized price increases, but the area remains less expensive than many other Chicago neighborhoods.
What is the weather of North Lawndale, Chicago, IL?
North Lawndale experiences Chicago's humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (January average high ~31°F/−1°C and low ~18°F/−8°C), while summers are warm and humid (July average high ~84°F/29°C and low ~68°F/20°C). Spring and fall are variable with frequent precipitation; Chicago’s annual precipitation is about 36 inches and average annual snowfall is roughly 36 inches.
How safe is North Lawndale, Chicago, IL?
North Lawndale experiences higher rates of violent and property crime than the Chicago city average, with shootings and homicides occurring at elevated levels compared with many other community areas. Year-to-year totals fluctuate, but Chicago Police Department data consistently rank it among the city’s higher-crime neighborhoods. Local community groups and city violence-prevention programs are active, and residents are advised to consult current CPD crime maps for up-to-date safety information.