| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Indianapolis/100k people | Indiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 37,533 | n/a (estimate) | 4,214 | 1,692 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 178 | n/a | 20.0 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 527 | n/a | 59.2 | 33.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1,275 | n/a | 143.1 | 34.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 5,839 | n/a | 655.6 | 239.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 7,819 | n/a (estimate) | 878 | 313 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4,613 | n/a | 517.9 | 176.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 18,456 | n/a | 2,072.1 | 988.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6,645 | n/a | 746.1 | 213.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 29,714 | n/a (estimate) | 3,336 | 1,379 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Indianapolis crime rate is 98.9% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Indianapolis, there were 7819 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 878 per 100,000 individuals, 144.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, Indianapolis recorded 29714 property crimes, amounting to 3336 per 100,000 residents, 89.5% higher than the U.S. average.
In Indianapolis, the crime rate stands at 4214 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 98.85%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Indianapolis that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
Indianapolis ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 878 per 100,000 people, Indianapolis is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 114 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Indianapolis, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Indianapolis has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 178 murders in Indianapolis, which is 20 murders per 100,000 people.
Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Indianapolis has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Indianapolis reported 6645 vehicle thefts, which equates to 746 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Indianapolis is 1 in 135.
AreaVibes surveyed 329 local residents in Indianapolis to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 23% of people answered that there was very little crime in Indianapolis and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 77% 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.
Determining whether Indianapolis 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, Indianapolis has an overall crime rate that is 99% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 102.83 daily occurrences, comprising 21.42 violent crimes and 81.41 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Indianapolis as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Indianapolis. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Indianapolis has increased by 0.7%. Violent crimes have increased by 21.6%, while property crimes have increased by 3.6%. 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.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Indianapolis currently has an unemployment rate of 4%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Indianapolis, 80.7% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Indianapolis stands at $262,511, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Indianapolis | Indiana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1,813 | 8,766 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 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 |
| Meridian Hills, IN | 1,746 | 44 | 194 | 237 |
| Zionsville, IN | 28,737 | 21 | 278 | 299 |
| New Palestine, IN | 2,509 | 234 | 78 | 313 |
| Warren Park, IN | 1,526 | 93 | 412 | 505 |
| Clermont, IN | 1,413 | 95 | 420 | 515 |
| Southport, IN | 1,936 | 99 | 437 | 536 |
| Brownsburg, IN | 27,585 | 63 | 600 | 663 |
| Indianapolis, IN | 899,521 | 878 | 3,336 | 4,214 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| San Francisco, CA | 898,133 | 596 | 3,929 | 4,526 |
| Charlotte, NC | 903,228 | 733 | 3,705 | 4,439 |
| Columbus, OH | 914,920 | 435 | 2,653 | 3,088 |
| Fort Worth, TX | 926,371 | 458 | 2,700 | 3,158 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 934,752 | 316 | 1,682 | 1,998 |
| Indianapolis, IN | 899,521 | 878 | 3,336 | 4,214 |
Here are the best places to live in Indiana
Check out the 10 safest cities in Indiana
See the best places to live in Indianapolis
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Indiana