A+
70%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
67%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
70%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
Chesterton crime rates are not available from the FBI crime report. The FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR), gathers data from more than 18,000 law enforcement agencies. The agencies include city, university, college, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies. When combined, they represent approximately 309 million American residents, or a 98% coverage rate of large metropolitan areas. This does result in approximately 20 million people who live in areas where the FBI does not provide crime reports. These areas tend to be smaller towns, villages or suburbs. Given that Chesterton crime stats are not covered by the FBI crime reports, either data from local enforcement agencies is applied or estimates are calculated based on demographic data including, but not limited to: home prices, income per capita, poverty rates, unemployment rates, educational achievement and population density. The Chesterton crime estimates should be used at your own risk. Please be aware that the data displayed above is estimated and not officially reported by any agency. The Chesterton crime map can also be used to view a visual display of crimes committed on a block group level.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleChesterton/100k peopleIndiana/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime0n/a (estimate)645 (estimate)1,6922,119
Murdern/an/an/a5.55.0
Rapen/an/an/a33.537.5
Robberyn/an/an/a34.560.6
Assaultn/an/an/a239.4256.1
Violent crimen/an/a (estimate)119 (estimate)313359
Burglaryn/an/an/a176.8229.2
Theftn/an/an/a988.81,272.1
Vehicle theftn/an/an/a213.0258.8
Property crimen/an/a (estimate)525 (estimate)1,3791,760
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Chesterton, IN

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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Chesterton?

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.

Is Chesterton a Safe Place to Live?

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.

Has Crime in Chesterton Increased Since Last Year?

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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Chesterton

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.

Chesterton crime map



The Chesterton crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Chesterton as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Chesterton crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Chesterton crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.

Compare Chesterton, IN Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Chesterton crime rates are 70% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Chesterton are 67% lower than the national average
      • In Chesterton you have a 1 in 156 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Chesterton is safer than 69% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Chesterton has increased by 156%

      Chesterton, IN Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Chesterton

        See all the best places to live around Chesterton
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Chesterton?
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        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Chesterton?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Chesterton poll results

        Daily Crime In Chesterton (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Chesterton (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Chesterton

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Chesterton is 1 in 839
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Chesterton is 1 in 191
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Chesterton is 1 in 156

        Year Over Year Crime In Chesterton (per 100,000 people)

        Chesterton police department

        Item Chesterton Indiana National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)278,766558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.02.43.3
        There are a total of 27 Chesterton police officers. This results in 2.0 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 13.5% less than the Indiana average and 37.1% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Indiana

        State Total offenders Indiana /100K National /100K
        Indiana12,315198266
        There are a total of 12,315 sex offenders in Indiana. This yields a total of 198 sex offenders in Indiana per 100,000 residents which is 26% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Porter, IN4,83519192211
        Long Beach, IN1,02444194237
        Aberdeen, IN1,69844194237
        Ogden Dunes, IN1,13244194237
        Shorewood Forest, IN2,93149216265
        Burns Harbor, IN2,10785374458
        Trail Creek, IN1,91987382468
        Chesterton, IN13,884119525645

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Collingswood, NJ13,8821243,0363,159
        Brandermill, VA13,8871671,2021,369
        Moorestown-Lenola, NJ13,87983544627
        Riverhead, NY13,8793251,4721,797
        Whitefish Bay, WI13,89014936949
        Chesterton, IN13,884119525645
        Source: The Chesterton, IN crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.