| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Elwood/100k people | Indiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 47 | n/a (estimate) | 558 | 1,692 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 23.7 | 33.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 34.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 71.2 | 239.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 8 | n/a (estimate) | 95 | 313 | 359 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 59.3 | 176.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 29 | n/a | 344.0 | 988.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 59.3 | 213.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 39 | n/a (estimate) | 463 | 1,379 | 1,760 |

The Elwood crime rates are 73.7% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 8 violent crimes in Elwood (95 per 100,000 people), which is 73.6% lower than the national average and there were a total of 39 property crimes (463 per 100,000 residents) which is 73.7% lower than average.
Elwood enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 558, a significant contrast to the national average of 2119. This distinction firmly establishes Elwood 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.
Elwood distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 95 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Elwood among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In the latest reported crime year, Elwood 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.
Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Elwood has a property crime rate of 463 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1760. This is a good indicator that Elwood is a safe place to live.
To determine if Elwood is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Elwood has a total crime rate that is 74% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.13 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.11 daily property crimes) in Elwood.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Elwood. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Elwood has decreased by 75.8%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 66.7%, while property crime has decreased by 77.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Elwood.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Elwood, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
Elwood has a population density of 2323.3 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Elwood crime rates.
Elwood has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.32 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
| Item | Elwood | Indiana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 20 | 8,766 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 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 |
| Cicero, IN | 5,059 | 105 | 192 | 296 |
| Tipton, IN | 5,160 | 172 | 306 | 478 |
| Lapel, IN | 2,436 | 107 | 473 | 580 |
| Edgewood, IN | 2,103 | 118 | 520 | 639 |
| Gas City, IN | 5,935 | 49 | 609 | 658 |
| Arcadia, IN | 1,579 | 125 | 549 | 674 |
| Greentown, IN | 2,078 | 125 | 551 | 676 |
| Elwood, IN | 8,639 | 95 | 463 | 558 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Rice Lake, WI | 8,642 | 245 | 1,345 | 1,589 |
| McRae-Helena, GA | 8,643 | 388 | 1,096 | 1,485 |
| Toccoa, GA | 8,644 | 225 | 2,760 | 2,985 |
| Virginia, MN | 8,634 | 412 | 2,145 | 2,557 |
| Spring Valley Lake, CA | 8,645 | 461 | 1,973 | 2,434 |
| Elwood, IN | 8,639 | 95 | 463 | 558 |