C+
14%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
29%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
22%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleFort Wayne/100k peopleIndiana/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime7,095n/a (estimate)2,6491,8502,324
Murder20n/a7.56.26.3
Rape120n/a44.832.840.0
Robbery189n/a70.643.066.1
Assault373n/a139.3224.2268.2
Violent crime702n/a (estimate)262306370
Burglary592n/a221.1226.1269.8
Theft5,196n/a1,940.31,118.61,401.9
Vehicle theft605n/a225.9199.4282.7
Property crime6,393n/a (estimate)2,3871,5441,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Fort Wayne, IN

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 Fort Wayne crime rate is higher than the national average by 14%. Specifically, there were 702 violent crimes in Fort Wayne, equivalent to 262 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 29.1%. Furthermore, Fort Wayne recorded 6393 property crimes, amounting to 2387 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 22.2%.

In terms of the total Fort Wayne crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Fort Wayne, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Fort Wayne?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Fort Wayne. Based on the results of the surveys (101 responses), 46% of people felt that there was very little crime in Fort Wayne and felt safe walking alone at night. While 54% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Fort Wayne a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Fort Wayne 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, Fort Wayne has an overall crime rate that is 14% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 19.44 daily occurrences, comprising 1.92 violent crimes and 17.52 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Fort Wayne as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Fort Wayne Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Fort Wayne has increased by 3.5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Fort Wayne is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 0.1%, while property crime has increased by 3.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Fort Wayne.

Fort Wayne Neighborhood Crime Rates

Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Fort Wayne, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 231 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Fort Wayne are areas such as Bittersweet Lakes, West Lakes and Cherry Hill, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Williams Park, Poplar and Larez are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.

Potential Causes for Crime in Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne has a population density of 2422.8 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 Fort Wayne crime rates.

In Fort Wayne, 83.7% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Fort Wayne, the average rental rates are $777 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Fort Wayne crime map



The Fort Wayne crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Fort Wayne 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.
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Crime Quick Facts

  • Fort Wayne crime rates are 14% higher than the national average
  • Violent crimes in Fort Wayne are 29% lower than the national average
  • In Fort Wayne you have a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim of crime
  • Fort Wayne is safer than 35% of the cities in the United States
  • Year over year crime in Fort Wayne has increased by 6%

Fort Wayne, IN Crime Quiz

     

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        Daily Crime In Fort Wayne (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Fort Wayne for every 100,000 residents. The Fort Wayne total amount of daily crime is 1.43 times more than the Indiana average and 1.14 times more than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Fort Wayne, is 1.17 times less than the Indiana average, and it is 1.41 times less than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Fort Wayne has a daily crime average that is 1.55 times more than the Indiana average and 1.22 times more than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Fort Wayne (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Fort Wayne in comparison to other Indiana communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Fort Wayne safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Fort Wayne being safer than 21% of cities in Indiana and 35% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Indiana cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Fort Wayne. In conclusion, Fort Wayne ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Fort Wayne

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Fort Wayne is 1 in 382
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Fort Wayne is 1 in 42
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Fort Wayne is 1 in 38
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Fort Wayne, Indiana? If you reside in Fort Wayne, then there is a 1 in 382 chance that you will experience a violent crime. These types of crimes may include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 42. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 38 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Fort Wayne.

        Year Over Year Crime In Fort Wayne (per 100,000 people)

        A good indicator of whether Fort Wayne is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live can be determined by analyzing the year over year crime rate (per 100,000 people). The number of violent crimes in Fort Wayne has increased by 2%, while the property crime rate in Fort Wayne has increased by 6% year over year. The number of total crimes in Fort Wayne has increased by 6% year over year.

        Fort Wayne police department

        Item Fort Wayne Indiana National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)4988,766558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.92.43.3
        There are a total of 498 Fort Wayne police officers. This results in 1.9 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 17.9% less than the Indiana average and 40.3% 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
        Roanoke, IN1,572110557667
        Leo-Cedarville, IN3,814116587704
        Harlan, IN1,715118598716
        Woodburn, IN1,390128645773
        Grabill, IN1,278128645773
        Churubusco, IN1,901129650779
        Monroeville, IN1,315135683818
        Fort Wayne, IN268,3782622,3872,649

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Chula Vista, CA268,7793511,2771,628
        Irvine, CA272,694751,4791,554
        St. Petersburg, FL264,0016292,6633,292
        Jersey City, NJ262,6522201,3841,605
        Toledo, OH275,1161,1633,0814,244
        Fort Wayne, IN268,3782622,3872,649
        Source: The Fort Wayne, IN crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. 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.