| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Valparaiso/100k people | Indiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 304 | n/a (estimate) | 874 | 1,692 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 14.4 | 33.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 5.7 | 34.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 16 | n/a | 46.0 | 239.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 23 | n/a (estimate) | 66 | 313 | 359 |
| Burglary | 17 | n/a | 48.9 | 176.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 255 | n/a | 733.1 | 988.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 9 | n/a | 25.9 | 213.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 281 | n/a (estimate) | 808 | 1,379 | 1,760 |

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Valparaiso is 58.8% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 23 violent crimes reported in Valparaiso, equivalent to 66 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 81.6%. Additionally, Valparaiso recorded 281 property crimes, amounting to 808 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 54.1%.
Valparaiso has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 66 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Valparaiso ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In the latest reported crime year, Valparaiso 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.
AreaVibes surveyed 19 local residents in Valparaiso to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 68% of people answered that there was very little crime in Valparaiso and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 32% 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.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Valparaiso a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Valparaiso crime rate is 59% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.83 crimes per day - 0.06 violent crimes and 0.77 property crimes.
Valparaiso reports an unemployment rate of 2.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Valparaiso crime rates.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Valparaiso, 90.8% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Valparaiso, the average monthly rent stands at $1,417, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Valparaiso | Indiana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 55 | 8,766 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 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 |
| Porter, IN | 5,012 | 19 | 192 | 211 |
| Aberdeen, IN | 1,765 | 44 | 194 | 237 |
| Ogden Dunes, IN | 1,159 | 44 | 194 | 237 |
| Shorewood Forest, IN | 3,039 | 49 | 216 | 265 |
| Burns Harbor, IN | 2,165 | 85 | 374 | 458 |
| Trail Creek, IN | 1,959 | 87 | 382 | 468 |
| Kouts, IN | 2,393 | 89 | 393 | 482 |
| Valparaiso, IN | 34,723 | 66 | 808 | 874 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Woodridge, IL | 34,713 | 60 | 818 | 878 |
| Spanaway, WA | 34,750 | 370 | 2,799 | 3,169 |
| Seaside, CA | 34,761 | 513 | 833 | 1,346 |
| Deer Park, TX | 34,681 | 134 | 1,259 | 1,394 |
| University Place, WA | 34,663 | 236 | 1,923 | 2,160 |
| Valparaiso, IN | 34,723 | 66 | 808 | 874 |