| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Chesterton/100k people | Indiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 86 | n/a (estimate) | 594 | 1,850 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 32.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 6.9 | 43.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 27 | n/a | 186.4 | 224.2 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 28 | n/a (estimate) | 193 | 306 | 370 |
| Burglary | 3 | n/a | 20.7 | 226.1 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 48 | n/a | 331.3 | 1,118.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 7 | n/a | 48.3 | 199.4 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 58 | n/a (estimate) | 400 | 1,544 | 1,954 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Chesterton is 74.5% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 28 violent crimes reported in Chesterton, equivalent to 193 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 47.7%. Additionally, Chesterton recorded 58 property crimes, amounting to 400 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 79.5%.
Chesterton enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 594, a significant contrast to the national average of 2324. This distinction firmly establishes Chesterton as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.
In the latest reported crime year, Chesterton recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Chesterton has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 400 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1954. Based on this report, Chesterton remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.
AreaVibes surveyed 9 local residents in Chesterton to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 89% of people answered that there was very little crime in Chesterton and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 11% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Determining whether Chesterton is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Chesterton has an overall crime rate that is 74% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.24 daily occurrences, comprising 0.08 violent crimes and 0.16 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Chesterton as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Chesterton. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Chesterton has increased by 13.2%. Violent crimes have increased by 75%, while property crimes have increased by 3.3%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Chesterton reports an unemployment rate of 6.5%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Chesterton crime rates.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Chesterton crime rates. Chesterton registers a population density of 1479.9 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Chesterton, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.04, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| Item | Chesterton | Indiana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 27 | 8,766 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Indiana /100K | National /100K |
| Indiana | 12,315 | 198 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ogden Dunes, IN | 1,132 | 43 | 217 | 260 |
| Long Beach, IN | 1,024 | 43 | 217 | 260 |
| Aberdeen, IN | 1,698 | 43 | 217 | 260 |
| Shorewood Forest, IN | 2,931 | 48 | 242 | 290 |
| Porter, IN | 4,835 | 190 | 323 | 514 |
| Burns Harbor, IN | 2,107 | 91 | 457 | 548 |
| Winfield, IN | 5,879 | 100 | 502 | 602 |
| Chesterton, IN | 13,884 | 193 | 400 | 594 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Collingswood, NJ | 13,882 | 220 | 3,027 | 3,246 |
| Brandermill, VA | 13,887 | 214 | 1,551 | 1,765 |
| Moorestown-Lenola, NJ | 13,879 | 127 | 889 | 1,017 |
| Riverhead, NY | 13,879 | 431 | 1,729 | 2,160 |
| Whitefish Bay, WI | 13,890 | 89 | 804 | 894 |
| Chesterton, IN | 13,884 | 193 | 400 | 594 |
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