C+
5%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
18%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
2%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleLawrence/100k peopleIndiana/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime994n/a (estimate)2,0201,6922,119
Murder6n/a12.25.55.0
Rape23n/a46.733.537.5
Robbery37n/a75.234.560.6
Assault78n/a158.5239.4256.1
Violent crime144n/a (estimate)293313359
Burglary70n/a142.3176.8229.2
Theft566n/a1,150.4988.81,272.1
Vehicle theft214n/a435.0213.0258.8
Property crime850n/a (estimate)1,7281,3791,760

Lawrence crime map

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The Lawrence crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Lawrence 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 Lawrence crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Lawrence 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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An Overview of Crime Rates in Lawrence, 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 Lawrence crime rate is lower than the national average by 4.7%. Specifically, there were 144 violent crimes in Lawrence, equivalent to 293 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 18.5%. Furthermore, Lawrence recorded 850 property crimes, amounting to 1728 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 1.8%.

When assessing the overall crime rate in Lawrence per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Lawrence crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Lawrence stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Lawrence, there were a total of 6 murders, translating to 12 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

Lawrence exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1728 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Lawrence maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Lawrence ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 214 vehicle thefts, amounting to 435 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Lawrence within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 230.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lawrence?

AreaVibes surveyed 13 local residents in Lawrence to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 38% of people answered that there was very little crime in Lawrence and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 62% 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.

Is Lawrence a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Lawrence 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, Lawrence has an overall crime rate that is 5% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.72 daily occurrences, comprising 0.39 violent crimes and 2.33 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Lawrence as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Lawrence Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Lawrence has decreased by 10.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Lawrence, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 4%, while property crime has decreased by 11.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Lawrence is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lawrence

Lawrence has a poverty rate that stands at 11.6, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Lawrence crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Lawrence crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Lawrence has an unemployment rate of 4.1%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Lawrence crime rates. For instance, in Lawrence, the population density stands at 2482.8 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

Compare Lawrence, IN Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Lawrence crime rates are 5% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Lawrence are 18% lower than the national average
      • In Lawrence you have a 1 in 50 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Lawrence is safer than 30% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Lawrence has decreased by 22%

      Lawrence, IN Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Lawrence (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Lawrence, per 100,000 residents. In Lawrence, the total number of daily crimes is 1.19 times more than the Indiana average and 1.05 times less than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Lawrence are 1.07 times less than the Indiana average and 1.23 times less than the national average. For property crime, Lawrence has a daily crime rate that is 1.25 times more than the Indiana average and 1.02 times less than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Lawrence (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Lawrence, Indiana compared to other areas of Indiana, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Lawrence safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Lawrence is safer than 23% of Indiana cities, and 30% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Indiana, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Lawrence. At this time, Lawrence sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Lawrence

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Lawrence is 1 in 342
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Lawrence is 1 in 58
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Lawrence is 1 in 50
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Lawrence, Indiana? If you reside in Lawrence, then there is a 1 in 342 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 58. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 50 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Lawrence.

        Year Over Year Crime In Lawrence (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Lawrence, IN is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Lawrence has decreased by 8%, while the property crime rate in Lawrence has decreased by 23% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Lawrence has decreased by 22% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Lawrence police department

        Item Lawrence Indiana National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)668,766558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residentsn/a2.43.3

        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
        Pendleton, IN4,559345184
        Meridian Hills, IN1,74644194237
        Zionsville, IN28,73721278299
        New Palestine, IN2,50923478313
        Warren Park, IN1,52693412505
        Southport, IN1,93699437536
        Noblesville, IN66,80284538622
        Lawrence, IN50,0122931,7282,020

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Lincoln, CA50,00696561657
        Draper, UT50,0211711,1021,273
        Tuckahoe, VA49,9741411,0131,154
        Newark, CA49,9713813,9634,344
        Middletown, OH50,0753701,9542,325
        Lawrence, IN50,0122931,7282,020
        Source: The Lawrence, IN crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. 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.