Safest cities in Indiana

Known as the 'Hoosier State,' Indiana is characterized by its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Located in the Midwestern United States, Indiana boasts a variety of terrains, from rolling plains to lush forests and numerous lakes. The state's economy is driven by industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare, with a growing presence in technology and logistics. Indianapolis, the state capital, is a vibrant urban center known for its sports culture, including the famous Indianapolis 500 auto race and a strong basketball tradition. Indiana also offers a rich array of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and historic sites.

The safest cities in Indiana offer residents a high quality of life with low crime rates, enhancing the overall livability of these communities. Safety is a crucial factor in fostering strong, thriving neighborhoods where residents can feel secure. Factors contributing to the safety of Indiana's cities include effective law enforcement, community policing efforts, and active local involvement in public safety initiatives. These cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, ensuring an accurate assessment of safety. With this focus on security, residents can fully enjoy Indiana's natural beauty, cultural richness, and economic opportunities without the constant concern of crime.

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Columbus Population: 50,148 96 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 13 Property Crime / 100k: 83 chance of being a victim: 1 in n/a
Columbus proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Indiana. With only 96 crimes per 100,000 people, Columbus has a crime rate that is 48% lower than the Indiana average. This equates to an average of 0.14 crimes per day and a 1 in 1,037 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.
St. John Population: 18,872 153 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 24 Property Crime / 100k: 129 chance of being a victim: 1 in 652
Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, St. John comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Indiana with a crime rate of 153 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 4 counts of burglary, 113 counts of theft, 12 counts of vehicle theft, 20 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 4 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in St. John, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.
Porter Population: 5,012 211 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 19 Property Crime / 100k: 192 chance of being a victim: 1 in 473
With a population of 5,012 and a total crime rate of 211 per 100,000 residents, Porter is the 3rd safest city in Indiana. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 95% lower than the Indiana average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.
Lowell Population: 10,146 228 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 26 Property Crime / 100k: 201 chance of being a victim: 1 in 439
With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Lowell is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 228, 89% lower than the Indiana average. This amounts to 0.07 crimes per day and a 1 in 439 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Lowell a highly desirable and safe place to call home.
Yorktown Population: 11,393 271 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 51 Property Crime / 100k: 220 chance of being a victim: 1 in 369
Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Yorktown consistently ranks high in safety. In Yorktown, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 271, which is 88% lower than the state average.
Cicero Population: 5,059 296 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 105 Property Crime / 100k: 192 chance of being a victim: 1 in 337
Cicero has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Indiana. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 296 crimes per 100,000 people, 94% lower than the Indiana average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 0 reports of burglary, 192 reports of theft, 0 reports of vehicle theft, 105 reports of assault, 0 reports of robbery, 0 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.
Zionsville Population: 28,737 299 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 21 Property Crime / 100k: 278 chance of being a victim: 1 in 335
Zionsville ranks as the seventh safest city in Indiana and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 335 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.27 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Zionsville’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Indiana.
Bedford Population: 13,557 303 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 50 Property Crime / 100k: 252 chance of being a victim: 1 in 330
Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Bedford is the 8th safest city in Indiana. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 86% lower than the Indiana average, reporting a total of 303 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.
Batesville Population: 7,147 324 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 14 Property Crime / 100k: 311 chance of being a victim: 1 in 308
Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Batesville is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Indiana, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 324 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 93% lower than the state average.
Cedar Lake Population: 13,302 328 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 66 Property Crime / 100k: 263 chance of being a victim: 1 in 305
Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Indiana, is Cedar Lake. With a low rate of crime that included 18 burglaries, 221 thefts, 24 vehicle thefts, 48 assaults, 12 robberies, 6 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 83% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Indiana

Rank Location Population Violent Crimes /100k Property Crimes /100k Total Crimes /100k 
1 Columbus 50,148 13 83 96
2 St. John 18,872 24 129 153
3 Porter 5,012 19 192 211
4 Lowell 10,146 26 201 228
5 Yorktown 11,393 51 220 271
6 Cicero 5,059 105 192 296
7 Zionsville 28,737 21 278 299
8 Bedford 13,557 50 252 303
9 Batesville 7,147 14 311 324
10 Cedar Lake 13,302 66 263 328
11 Dyer 16,417 12 344 356
12 Winona Lake 5,053 78 293 372
13 Huntington 17,520 47 347 394
14 Auburn 13,673 7 421 428
15 Tipton 5,160 172 306 478
16 Bargersville 7,572 61 424 484
17 Elwood 8,639 95 463 558
18 Huntingburg 6,453 276 306 582
19 Crown Point 31,396 77 531 608
20 Noblesville 66,802 84 538 622
21 Gas City 5,935 49 609 658
22 Brownsburg 27,585 63 600 663
23 Westfield 42,840 42 644 686
24 Jasper 16,040 119 607 726
25 Fishers 96,166 73 659 731
26 Washington 12,882 268 473 742
27 New Castle 17,779 75 734 809
28 Danville 10,592 93 719 811
29 Crawfordsville 16,427 186 642 828
30 Charlestown 8,576 104 725 829
31 Decatur 10,024 169 676 846
32 Nappanee 7,418 205 657 862
33 Valparaiso 34,723 66 808 874
34 Carmel 101,609 66 813 879
35 Kendallville 9,558 205 704 909
36 Bluffton 10,527 181 732 913
37 Columbia City 9,464 128 864 992
38 McCordsville 7,449 270 762 1,032
39 Tell City 7,396 160 882 1,043
40 Munster 23,103 51 1,029 1,080
41 Griffith 16,547 130 986 1,116
42 Mount Vernon 6,789 333 808 1,140
43 Frankfort 15,906 110 1,061 1,171
44 Franklin 26,224 84 1,089 1,173
45 Marion 28,405 107 1,105 1,212
46 Shelbyville 19,667 255 1,021 1,276
47 Logansport 18,342 71 1,214 1,286
48 New Haven 16,513 205 1,087 1,292
49 Lebanon 16,654 333 964 1,296
50 West Lafayette 50,904 94 1,205 1,298

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Indiana is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Indiana cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.