| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Elkhart/100k people | Indiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,918 | n/a (estimate) | 3,595 | 1,692 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 1.9 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 45 | n/a | 84.3 | 33.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 39 | n/a | 73.1 | 34.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 446 | n/a | 835.9 | 239.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 531 | n/a (estimate) | 995 | 313 | 359 |
| Burglary | 316 | n/a | 592.2 | 176.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 918 | n/a | 1,720.5 | 988.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 153 | n/a | 286.7 | 213.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,387 | n/a (estimate) | 2,599 | 1,379 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Elkhart crime rate is higher than the national average by 69.6%. Specifically, there were 531 violent crimes in Elkhart, equivalent to 995 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 177.1%. Furthermore, Elkhart recorded 1387 property crimes, amounting to 2599 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 47.7%.
Elkhart is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 995 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Elkhart is 1 in 101.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Elkhart residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 38 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 37% of Elkhart residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 63% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Elkhart a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Elkhart crime rate is 70% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 5.25 crimes per day - 1.45 violent crimes and 3.8 property crimes.
In Elkhart, the poverty rate currently stands at 22%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Elkhart crime rates.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Elkhart crime rates. The population density in Elkhart is 2007.4 people per square mile, while the national average is 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 Elkhart, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 0, 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 | Elkhart | Indiana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 141 | 8,766 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Middlebury, IN | 3,663 | 76 | 334 | 410 |
| Wakarusa, IN | 2,154 | 102 | 448 | 549 |
| New Paris, IN | 1,498 | 120 | 529 | 649 |
| Edwardsburg, MI | 1,152 | 163 | 517 | 680 |
| Granger, IN | 31,533 | 135 | 596 | 731 |
| Osceola, IN | 3,434 | 151 | 666 | 818 |
| Simonton Lake, IN | 5,279 | 177 | 778 | 955 |
| Elkhart, IN | 53,808 | 995 | 2,599 | 3,595 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Edina, MN | 53,873 | 73 | 1,490 | 1,563 |
| Stratford, CT | 53,937 | 67 | 1,985 | 2,052 |
| Placentia, CA | 53,649 | 357 | 1,466 | 1,824 |
| Queen Creek, AZ | 53,585 | 120 | 822 | 941 |
| Pensacola, FL | 54,052 | 231 | 1,229 | 1,460 |
| Elkhart, IN | 53,808 | 995 | 2,599 | 3,595 |
Here are the best places to live in Indiana
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Indiana
See the best places to live in Elkhart
These are the largest cities in Indiana