Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Indiana
Indiana is home to diverse communities, but some areas face higher crime rates than others. In this updated list of the 10 most dangerous places in Indiana, we analyze the crime statistics to provide insights into safety conditions in these cities. Keep in mind that crime statistics can change over time, and this list is based on data available until September 2021.
1. Gary
Gary, IN
Located just 25 miles from Chicago, Gary had the second-highest total number of crimes per person in Indiana. Despite its population of 78,819, it reported 4,719 property crimes (the fifth most per person) and 883 violent crimes (the second most). Notably, 54 of those violent crimes were murders, giving Gary the highest number of murders per person in the state.
2. Clarksville
Clarksville, IN
Residents in Clarksville faced the highest likelihood of being victims of a crime in Indiana, with a 1 in 13 chance. Clarksville had the highest number of crimes per person in 2021, including the most property crimes, the ninth most violent crimes, and the third most murders per person in the state.
3. Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis, the state's capital, had a particularly high number of violent crimes in 2021, totaling 10,479, with 129 murders. Despite its large population of over 850,000, Indianapolis had the highest number of violent crimes and the fifth-highest number of murders per person. Additionally, it reported 44,606 property crimes, resulting in the fifth-highest number of total crimes per person in Indiana.
4. East Chicago
East Chicago, IN
In 2021, East Chicago had the sixth-highest number of violent crimes per person, totaling 196 for its population of just over 29,000. This included 14 rapes, 91 robberies, 81 assaults, and 10 murders, resulting in the second-highest number of murders per person. Alongside 1,462 property crimes, East Chicago had a total of 1,658 crimes, ranking ninth in crimes per person in Indiana.
5. Washington
Washington, IN
As the smallest place in our top 10 with just over 11,800 residents, Washington reported a total of 798 crimes in 2021. This included 755 property crimes and 43 violent crimes, including one murder. Despite its small size, Washington ranked fourth in total crimes, third in property crimes, 17th in violent crimes, and 12th in murders per person.
6. South Bend
South Bend, IN
South Bend, located in St. Joseph County, had high crime rates across multiple categories in 2021. Notably, it reported 664 violent crimes, including 199 assaults, 363 robberies, 93 rapes, and 9 murders. These figures ranked South Bend seventh in violent crimes and tenth in murders per person. Additionally, it had the 15th highest number of property crimes per person, resulting in the 13th most crimes per person and a 1 in 18 chance of being a crime victim for residents.
7. Hammond
Hammond, IN
Hammond ranked 20th out of 57 places for property crime. It had the third-highest number of violent crimes, including the eighth highest number of murders per person. In 2021, Hammond reported a total of 3,889 crimes, the 18th highest number of crimes per person. This gave residents a 1 in 20 chance of being the victim of a crime.
8. Seymour
Seymour, IN
Seymour residents had a high likelihood of being crime victims, with a 1 in 14 chance in 2021. Seymour reported the third most crimes per person in the state. These 1,301 crimes consisted of 1,201 property crimes (the second most per person) and 100 violent crimes (the 10th most per person). Fortunately, there were no murders, but seven rapes, six robberies, and 87 assaults in this community of 18,655 residents.
9. Lafayette
Lafayette, IN
In 2021, Lafayette reported a total of 3,805 crimes for its population of just over 68,000 residents, ranking 11th in crimes per person. These included 3,416 property crimes (the 12th most per person) and 389 violent crimes (the eighth most). Two of those violent crimes were murders. Notably, neighboring West Lafayette stood out as one of the safest places we examined, with the third fewest crimes overall and no murders.
10. Speedway
Speedway, IN
Speedway secured the final spot on our list due to the fourth highest number of murders per person in Indiana. While two murders in a larger city might not seem significant, in a town of fewer than 12,000 residents, it is noteworthy. Speedway also reported 27 other violent crimes, ranking 28th in violent crimes per person, and 628 property crimes, the 10th most property crimes per person.