Study: Safest Cities in Indiana 2016
Indiana symbolizes everything that's great about America's heartland—endless stretches of vibrant green farmland, friendly, and hard-working people. And for some parts of the state, there's a calming sense of safety and security. Is your hometown one of them?
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| Safest Cities in Indiana © CreditDonkey |
We’ve gathered and ranked the cities in the Hoosier State that rate the best when it comes to crime. On a statewide level, Indiana reported 365.3 violent crimes and 2,649.4 burglary crimes per 100,000 residents, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report. Those figures are on par with the national crime rate.
We developed this guide for current residents as well as newcomers who are planning a move to Indiana. Keep reading to see which cities made our list and how they compare.
Study Methodology
The size of a city and its crime rate tend to go hand-in-hand, with crime occurring less frequently in smaller cities. Using that as a guideline, we focused on Indiana communities with a population of 1,000 or more.
We drew on data from the FBI Uniform Crime Report for 2014 to formulate our rankings. First, we looked at the number of violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents. Then, we zeroed in on two specific crimes: robbery and burglary.
We decided to take a look at these crimes because they tend to occur more frequently than murder or larceny and are likely to be of more concern to residents. Our final list of the 50 safest cities is based on these four metrics:
- Number of violent crimes per 1,000 residents
- Number of robberies per 1,000 residents
- Number of property crimes per 1,000 residents
- Number of burglaries per 1,000 residents
Using these four criteria as a guide, we assigned each city a CreditDonkey safety score. The 50 Indiana cities listed below had the best safety scores overall. They’re ranked here according to their score, with a lower safety score being better.
Safest Cities 2016: Rankings
50. Lawrenceburg
- Violent crime per 1,000: 2.2
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.6
- Property crime per 1,000: 27.5
- Burglary per 1,000: 3.6
- CreditDonkey safety score: 8.5
Lawrenceburg is a city of about 5,000 people located along the Ohio River, just west of Cincinnati. The Lawrenceburg Police Department is known for taking a proactive approach to fighting crime, with officers armed with state-of-the-art equipment and top-notch training. Law enforcement routinely patrols the city by car, and the department’s K-9 unit is essential in tracking down crime suspects
49. Plainfield
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.8
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.3
- Property crime per 1,000: 29.0
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.5
- CreditDonkey safety score: 8.4
As part of the greater Indianapolis metro area, Plainfield is a bit larger than some of the other cities on our list. The population tops 30,000 and is growing steadily. Named one of Money magazine’s “100 Best Places to Live in 2011," Plainfield offers the best of suburban living, complete with safe, desirable neighborhoods, good schools, and affordable housing.
And it’s quite simple, because kindness surrounds us. Whether it’s drawing together to support a family in need, or rallying around our public servants after a difficult series of events, or our students who started their own club, “Just Be Kind,” kindness isn’t recognized because it’s unusual. It’s recognized because we value it.
Scott Olinger, Superintendent, Plainfield Community School Corporation
48. Kendallville
- Violent crime per 1,000: 2.7
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 27.4
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.3
- CreditDonkey safety score: 8.1
Kendallville is tucked away in northeast Indiana, about 30 miles north of Fort Wayne. The city’s police department works hard to keep the 10,000 or so people who live here safe. And they have what’s called a Nixle alarm system, which let’s the city send information on community events and crime-related updates to residents via cell phones. The police also offer numerous resources to educate citizens on how to prevent crimes like burglary and identity theft.
Mayor Suzanne Handshoe and the Chamber of Commerce have implemented a number of initiatives that keep residents informed, involved, and important.
For example, the parks and recreation department have added a variety of summer events to attract youth and adults. The Mayor hosts Town Hall meetings and partners with the Chamber of Commerce to recognize businesses and individuals who contribute to the community.
Ann Linson, Superintendent, East Noble School Corporation
47. Charlestown
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.1
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 28.3
- Burglary per 1,000: 3.8
- CreditDonkey safety score: 8.1
Some cities tend to be more kid-friendly than others, and Charlestown is all about family. There are four parks in the city, including the Charlestown Family Activities Park, as well as a youth and family sports program that encourages families to stay active together. Louisville, KY, is a stone’s throw away for heading into the big city for a day of fun.
46. Union City
- Violent crime per 1,000: 2.0
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 26.0
- Burglary per 1,000: 4.3
- CreditDonkey safety score: 8.1
Union City is one of the smaller cities on our list, with around 3,500 residents, and if you prefer the small-town life, it doesn’t disappoint. There’s a strong sense of community, and newcomers don’t stay strangers for long. That’s something that helps to keep crime low. In 2014, the city had zero reports of robbery and just 15 burglaries.
45. Highland
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.6
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.4
- Property crime per 1,000: 26.6
- Burglary per 1,000: 3.6
- CreditDonkey safety score: 7.8
“Come home to Highland” is the motto in this bustling suburban city, and residents are more than happy to do just that. The Highland Police Department relies on a community policing approach to keep crime to a minimum. Programs like the Citizens’ Police Academy and Crime Watch help to keep the lines of communication open.
44. Clinton
- Violent crime per 1,000: 3.4
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 21.2
- Burglary per 1,000: 5.9
- CreditDonkey safety score: 7.6
Clinton is another small city, with just under 4,800 residents, and its size works in its favor when it comes to crime. There were no murders and no robberies reported in the city for 2014, and the number of burglaries came to 28. The fact that it’s less than 20 miles from Terre Haute makes it a good pick for commuting professionals who want a quieter place to settle down.
43. Fairmount
- Violent crime per 1,000: 3.8
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 18.3
- Burglary per 1,000: 7.9
- CreditDonkey safety score: 7.5
Fairmount is a little off the beaten path, but the 2,900 people who live here like to think of it as a hidden gem. Being the hometown of James Dean and Jim Davis (the creator of Garfield) is Fairmount’s main claim to fame, and residents take pride in the city’s historical significance. They’re also proud of its low crime rate, with no rapes, robberies, or aggravated assaults reported in 2014.
42. Portland
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.3
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 26.6
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.4
- CreditDonkey safety score: 7.3
Like Fairmount, Portland’s location is a little more remote. It’s about 50 miles away from Fort Wayne and 100 miles from Indianapolis. While small, the city is growing at a steady clip and it’s a hit among young families. Portland’s police department constantly maintains a visible presence in the community to ward off would-be criminals.
Our school corporation also uses Character Counts in grades K-12. We have done this for the last decade, and all children understand the basic pillars of: trustworthiness, respect, responsibiltiy, caring, fairness and citizenship. We even do this with our parents. It is a community effort.
Our Seniors are required to do 6 hours of community service prior to graduation.
I think these make things better in our city.
Timothy Long, Superintendent, Jay School Corporation
41. Delphi
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.7
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 20.8
- Burglary per 1,000: 4.2
- CreditDonkey safety score: 6.7
Crime is almost unheard of in the city of Delphi. There were five violent crimes in 2014, with no murders and no robberies reported. Sixty property crimes were reported, 12 of which were burglaries. That may be thanks to the presence of both the Delphi Police Department and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department, who keep a watchful eye on the city’s streets.
40. Elwood
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.4
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 19.3
- Burglary per 1,000: 5.9
- CreditDonkey safety score: 6.7
“Quaint” is the word that immediately comes to mind to describe the city of Elwood. In the summertime, you’ll see kids riding bikes, pet owners walking their dogs, and residents enjoying a visit with their neighbors on the front porch. And come winter, everyone pitches in to keep sidewalks and driveways clear of snow. From the city’s safety score, the Elwood Police Department is clearly doing its part to make sure that residents stay safe year-round.
39. Portage
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.6
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
- Property crime per 1,000: 21.4
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.7
- CreditDonkey safety score: 6.5
Portage’s leadership team works hard to provide the city’s residents with a superior quality of life, and a big part of that is making sure the city’s streets are safe. The Portage Police Department is responsible for the security of close to 37,000 residents. The force includes motorcycle and vehicle patrol officers, K-9 officers, and volunteer reserve officers who work as a team to promote safety.
38. Alexandria
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.2
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
- Property crime per 1,000: 21.5
- Burglary per 1,000: 3.9
- CreditDonkey safety score: 6.5
The city of Alexandria has a rich history, and it’s also home to a variety of roadside attractions, including the world’s largest paint ball. Residents have little trouble feeling safe, whether they’re at home, at work or enjoying a stroll around town. As proof of how secure it is, there were no robberies, rapes, or aggravated assaults reported for 2014 and only 20 burglaries.
37. New Haven
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.0
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.4
- Property crime per 1,000: 21.2
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.6
- CreditDonkey safety score: 6.3
Suburban expansion around Fort Wayne has led to growth in a number of surrounding cities, including New Haven. Close to 16,000 people live in the area and they do so in relative safety. The New Haven Police Department is very hands-on, with officers teaching safety awareness in schools, assisting with the implementation of Neighborhood Watch programs, and sponsoring a student cadet program for youth who are interested in a career in law enforcement.
36. Plymouth
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.4
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 21.3
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.3
- CreditDonkey safety score: 6.3
Plymouth sits about 27 miles south of South Bend on the banks of the Yellow River. Small-town spirit and a safe vibe are just some of the things that appeal to the many families, retirees, and young professionals who live here. Good schools and a low cost of living are also among its most desirable features.
I believe his message is heard loud and clear. We also have a tremendous police department who is very visible. The police work very hard to establish positive relationships with people in the community.
This pays many benefits to making this a safe community to live and raise our children.
Dan Tyree, Superintendent, Plymouth Community School District
35. Tipton
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.6
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.6
- Property crime per 1,000: 18.9
- Burglary per 1,000: 3.6
- CreditDonkey safety score: 6.2
The city of Tipton is the official seat of Tipton County and though it’s on the small side, it has a reputation for being a vibrant and safe community. Both the Tipton Police Department and the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office work with the same goal in mind: reducing and preventing crime within the city and the county as a whole. There were eight violent crimes and fewer than 100 property crimes reported in 2014, which is evidence of their success.
34. Auburn
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.6
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 21.1
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.3
- CreditDonkey safety score: 6.0
Tradition, innovation, and progress are all things the city of Auburn celebrates. Indeed, there’s a strong emphasis on moving forward while celebrating the past. That tendency towards innovation is apparent in law enforcement’s approach to fighting crime. Police officers are assigned to specific areas of the city, which gives them the opportunity to get to know the people they’re protecting.
We are a small community where the locals have always helped to make improvements that leads to a higher quality of life.
Terry Rayle
33. Cedar Lake
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.7
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.3
- Property crime per 1,000: 18.9
- Burglary per 1,000: 3.2
- CreditDonkey safety score: 6.0
Cedar Lake is a popular tourist destination as people come from all around to enjoy boating, fishing, and golf in the summer months. With so many people coming and going, you’d expect crime to be higher, but there were only 20 violent crimes reported for 2014. The Cedar Lake Volunteers in Police Service team assists the city’s police department in patrolling the city to make sure residents and visitors alike stay safe.
32. Bargersville
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.5
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 20.4
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.7
- CreditDonkey safety score: 5.9
Bargersville is a thriving town of about 6,500 people with a welcoming attitude toward newcomers. Aside from the friendly faces, one of the best things about living here is the rarity of crime. In 2014, the city reported a mere three violent crimes, all of which were aggravated assaults. Fewer than 20 burglaries were reported during that same period.
31. Decatur
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.5
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 20.3
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.1
- CreditDonkey safety score: 5.7
Top-rated healthcare facilities make Decatur a great choice for seniors, but the city is popular among people of all ages. There’s a big focus on expansion and forward development here, and it’s an excellent place to start a business. As far as crime goes, that’s not something residents have to deal with that often thanks to the Decatur Police Department’s round-the-clock monitoring.
30. Sellersburg
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.1
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.3
- Property crime per 1,000: 18.5
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.6
- CreditDonkey safety score: 5.6
Sellersburg dubs itself “A Town of Opportunity,” and it’s a good place to put down roots if you’re starting a family, planning to retire, or launching a professional career in the Louisville metro area. Sellersburg’s police department is committed to serving the city’s 6,200 residents to ensure that it remains a safe place to live, work, and play.
29. Valparaiso
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.1
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
- Property crime per 1,000: 19.1
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.7
- CreditDonkey safety score: 5.5
As a college town, Valparaiso puts a heavy emphasis on education—something parents are sure to appreciate. Besides the great schools, housing is reasonably priced, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to live here. The Valparaiso Police Department sponsors multiple community outreach programs to promote safety, including the Junior Police Academy, Coffee With a Cop, and the annual National Night Out.
28. Bremen
- Violent crime per 1,000: 5.8
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 14.1
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.2
- CreditDonkey safety score: 5.5
Bremen’s motto, “A Good Town,” is simple but appropriate for this city of 4,600 people. It’s close enough to South Bend to make it convenient for commuters or the occasional shopping trip, but residents aren’t troubled with a higher crime rate. Not a single murder or robbery was reported in 2014 and in the burglary category, there were only 10 incidents to make the books.
27. Tell City
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.1
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 19.2
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.6
- CreditDonkey safety score: 5.5
Tell City, the seat of scenic Perry County, was originally settled by Swiss-German immigrants more than 150 years ago. Today, the city is a diverse mix of people and it’s growing all the time, with new arrivals settling in on a regular basis. The Tell City Police Department’s highly trained officers are equipped to deal with a variety of situations, including homicide and sexual assault investigations, but fortunately, they’re rarely called on to do so.
26. Hagerstown
- Violent crime per 1,000: 2.9
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 14.3
- Burglary per 1,000: 4.0
- CreditDonkey safety score: 5.3
Residents of Hagerstown enjoy small-town living while remaining within reach of metropolitan comforts. It’s approximately 60 miles from Indianapolis, which is close enough to take a day trip to the Indianapolis Museum of Art or check out a Colts game. Once you’re back at home, you can enjoy the peaceful, safe surroundings and warm hospitality that make Hagerstown unique.
25. Greenfield
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.4
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 17.0
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.6
- CreditDonkey safety score: 5.2
Approximately 25 miles east of Indianapolis, Greenfield was voted one of the metro area’s best suburbs in 2015 by neighborhood-ranking website Niche.com. Professionals, families, and retirees appreciate the modest housing, convenience to the capital city and lack of high crime. Greenfield’s police force is active in schools through the D.A.R.E. program, and home security checks are just one of the services offered to residents.
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.7
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.3
- Property crime per 1,000: 17.2
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.4
- CreditDonkey safety score: 5.2
24. Nappanee
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.4
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 17.0
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.6
- CreditDonkey safety score: 5.1
“Embrace the Pace” is the motto Nappanee’s residents live by, and they take time to stop and smell the flowers. Though still small, the city continues to grow, and the hard-working attitude of its citizens has a lot to do with it. That work ethic is demonstrated by the Nappanee Police Department, whose officers are dedicated to maintaining peace and prosperity.
What makes Nappanee safe?
My family was having dinner out one evening, when I asked for the check, I was told there was none. I asked why and was told that someone had purchased not only my meal but several others just to give back.
We watch out for one another and each other’s families. It does not matter if we know you, you become part of our family in Nappanee making it safer.
It is also instilled in our children at a young age in school. Kindness, respectfulness, being helpful and honoring those are older than you.
Jeff Kitson, Executive Director, Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce
23. Columbia City
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.4
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 16.2
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.9
- CreditDonkey safety score: 4.9
Columbia City is about 20 miles northwest of Fort Wayne, and this suburban community has flourished over the last two decades. Its central location means it wins points with professionals who commute to the big city, while families are happy about the variety of housing options and safe neighborhoods. There were 12 violent crimes in 2014, including one robbery, but there were no murders reported.
22. Munster
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.9
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.5
- Property crime per 1,000: 16.6
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.0
- CreditDonkey safety score: 4.8
The town of Munster sits just outside of Gary and roughly 30 miles south of Chicago. With a population of 23,000 and climbing, the local police department has its hands full, but officers do a good job of keeping the streets crime-free. The department stays connected with citizens through multiple initiatives, such as Volunteers in Police Service, the CHOICE Community Council, and the Cops and Kids Holiday Program.
21. Brownsburg
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.9
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
- Property crime per 1,000: 15.3
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.7
- CreditDonkey safety score: 4.8
In 2009, CNN Money ranked Brownsburg as the best place to live in Indiana because of the excellent school system, solid economy, and of course, its low crime rate. Over the last six years, the city has continued to live up to that reputation, particularly in the crime department. There were no murders reported in 2014, only six robberies, and a total of 40 burglaries.
Since 2014, the Town has added 5 new full time Police Officers with 3 of those currently going through the recruitment process. There is very little substitute for “boots on the ground”.
Our PD has also worked very hard on Community Policing activities such as self-defense classes, Neighborhood Watch Groups and educational camps for youth during the summer all intended to stop crime before it happens. We believe that safety is a community effort and we require all sets of eyes from our 25,000+ population remaining vigilant and watchful in order to keep us all safe.
Grant Kleinhenz, Town Manager, Brownsburg
20. Porter
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.8
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 14.3
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.6
- CreditDonkey safety score: 4.2
Porter is called the “Gateway to the Dunes,” and locals enjoy kicking back in the sand at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore along Lake Michigan. Just under 5,000 full-time residents live here, and crime is something that rarely pops up on their radar. Altogether, there were fewer than 75 violent and property crimes combined in 2014, with zero robberies and eight burglaries reported.
19. Danville
- Violent crime per 1,000: 2.6
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 10.8
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.3
- CreditDonkey safety score: 4.0
Danville bills itself as a great place to spend an hour or a lifetime, and if you pay a visit here, you might just decide you like it enough to stay. There are plenty of historical points of interest to keep you occupied, as well as a community park complete with tennis courts, a pool, and two water slides. Crime doesn’t happen often but if it does, you can always count on the Danville Police Department to respond quickly.
18. North Manchester
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.7
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.3
- Property crime per 1,000: 12.7
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.2
- CreditDonkey safety score: 3.7
Covered bridges and grazing horses are just some of the things that dot the landscape around North Manchester. The downtown area is a reminder of simpler times, and that’s something that’s mirrored by the low crime rate. In addition to a full-time police force, the city is also protected by a police reserve unit that can be called in if a large-scale crisis were to arise.
Did you know:
A vast majority of our citizens and our staff have pride in where they live, what they do for the community and they also tend to keep an eye out for suspicious activity.
We are always looking to find ways to improve our infrastructure that can have an impact on deterring crime, such as lighting and public sidewalks.
Dave Schoeff, Town Manager, North Manchester
17. Westfield
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.1
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 12.3
- Burglary per 1,000: 0.9
- CreditDonkey safety score: 3.6
CNN Money ranked Westfield one of the best places to live in the nation in 2013, and it’s not difficult to see why. This affluent community of 34,000 residents rates highly on the livability scale, especially for families with young children. The unemployment rate is well below the national average, which is a positive when it comes to curbing crime. There were no murders reported in 2014, while the number of robberies and burglaries came to four and 31, respectively.
... from having my order prepaid at the coffee shop to receiving flowers in appreciation of the work we do. During the winter snows I have also had my driveway plowed and the sidewalk shoveled by an unknown person...very kind.
Our current administration highly values public safety and invests in supporting quality police and fire departments. Communication is a key objective of the city government, and its staff uses several methods to inform citizens of community activities and public notices. This outreach is of great value to residents.
Julie Sole, Executive Director, Westfield Chamber of Commerce
Did you know:
We also interact and build relationships with the community through numerous outreach programs including, but not limited to our Citizens' Academy, Coffee with a Cop, Neighborhood Watch, Breakfast with a Police Officer, and the Jake Laird Community Day. All of these programs help develop relationships and trust with those we serve and help us accomplish our primary public safety and service goals.
Additionally, officers conduct over 8,000 foot and bike patrols every year throughout our neighborhoods, trail system, schools, business districts, and parks. Officers frequently use these patrols to directly interact with residents and visitors as a preventative measure to reduce crime. We also conduct Vacation Security Checks for our residents while they are away from home. Last year, officers conducted over 8,700 of these checks at over 431 houses. This personal service provides peace of mind to the homeowners and additional police presence in neighborhoods during normal vacation times.
Our Criminal Investigation Division also aggressively investigates cases and holds offenders accountable for their actions. These investigators also partner with the banking industry, businesses, and retail fraud networks to share information and coordinate responses to criminal acts.
Finally, the police department frequently works with other city departments to help solve unsafe roadway conditions, unsafe intersections due to overgrown vegetation, and quality of life concerns such as graffiti, nuisance complaints, and abandoned houses and automobiles.
Erin Murphy, Communications Director, City of Westfield
16. Lowell
- Violent crime per 1,000: 4.7
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 8.7
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.0
- CreditDonkey safety score: 3.6
Lowell prides itself on being a friendly town with friendly people, and that includes the members of the city’s police department. Community policing is central to the way officers approach combatting crime, and citizens are encouraged to report crimes or other suspicious activity to help keep neighborhoods safe. Not that residents have much to fear; there were no murders, rapes, or robberies reported in 2014.
15. South Whitley
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.0
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 12.5
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.7
- CreditDonkey safety score: 3.6
With a population of 1,753 residents, South Whitley is the smallest city to make it onto our list. Red-brick buildings, tree-lined streets, and a relaxed atmosphere are some of its most favorable characteristics. It also helps that crime isn’t a regular feature of daily life. Out of the 50 cities in our list, South Whitley was the only one that didn’t report a single violent crime for 2014.
14. West Lafayette
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.0
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.3
- Property crime per 1,000: 11.2
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.4
- CreditDonkey safety score: 3.5
West Lafayette sits just across the Wabash River from Lafayette, which is roughly twice its size. The local police department keeps the 31,000 people who live here safe through routine foot, bicycle and motor patrols, along with educational outreach programs like RAD, a comprehensive course designed to teach women how to defend themselves against sexual assault.
13. Dyer
- Violent crime per 1,000: 1.0
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.4
- Property crime per 1,000: 11.6
- Burglary per 1,000: 0.9
- CreditDonkey safety score: 3.5
Located along the Indiana-Illinois border, the city of Dyer has been recognized as one of CNN Money’s “Best Places to Live,” and it’s also received kudos for being one of Indiana’s best places for young families. It’s earned a higher ranking on our list due to the fact that there were no murders or rapes reported here in 2014 and only six robberies.
12. Winona Lake
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.4
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 10.7
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.2
- CreditDonkey safety score: 3.3
Beautiful lakefront views, a newly restored historical district, one-of-a-kind artisan shops and eclectic eateries are just some of the highlights of living in Winona Lake. This artsy little town has fewer than 5,000 full-time residents, and that’s an advantage where crime is concerned. Winona Lake is another city in our rankings to make it through 2014 without a single reported murder, rape, or robbery.
11. Jasper
- Violent crime per 1,000: 2.3
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 9.4
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.0
- CreditDonkey safety score: 3.2
The Jasper Police Department extends an open invitation to all of the city’s residents to take a stand against crime and report activity that seems suspicious. Officers make regular appearances in local schools as part of the D.A.R.E. drug abuse education program and through events like Shop With a Cop, which pairs officers up with needy children in the community for a day of holiday shopping and fun.
10. Fishers
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.2
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 9.5
- Burglary per 1,000: 0.6
- CreditDonkey safety score: 2.6
With nearly 86,000 residents, Fishers is the second-largest city to land a spot in our rankings. With a city this size, you’d expect crime to be a problem, but the Fishers Police Department has a firm grip on things. Remarkably, there were just 18 violent crimes reported in 2014, including five robberies. The burglary rate was also low, with 50 incidents reported over the same period.
9. Carmel
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.1
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
- Property crime per 1,000: 9.3
- Burglary per 1,000: 0.8
- CreditDonkey safety score: 2.6
Carmel edges out Fishers for the most populous city, with more than 87,000 residents. Once a sleepy suburban community, the city has made tremendous strides over the last two decades, and it’s become a much sought-after place to call home. Citizens of just about all ages have opportunities to stay involved in police efforts to keep the city safe through programs like Police Explorers and Safety Link, which offers free safety checks for seniors.
Our low crime rate is the result of a number of factors. Like many suburban areas, our demographics tend to include a proportionally higher number of households with college degrees and higher incomes, which are factors that tend to help suburban crime rates remain lower in general. We also feel our initiatives help Carmel’s crime rate stay even lower -- Community outreach programs such as Neighborhood Crime Watch, Business Watch, Citizen’s Academy, Teen Academy, Explorer Program, etc. We continue to share crime watch data stats on a weekly basis with our neighborhood crime watch captains. We also send out monthly crime watch newsletters to our community to keep them well informed and educated.
The Police Department’s community relationship also extends to our local school district. We have 4-officers assigned to Carmel High School and 3-officers assigned to the middle schools. These 7-officers make up our School Resource Officer/Unit (SRU), a program that fosters a positive relationship with youth in our community. School Resource Officers mentor, educate, counsel and serve as a law enforcement officer for all students, staff and administrators in Carmel.
Nancy Heck, Director of Community Relations, City of Carmel
From the first day on the Department to this day, I have considered myself part of a group of people, both sworn Officers and Civilian Staff, who have pride in what they do every day. Our Officers and Civilian Staff are dedicated to this Profession and continue to take ownership in their assignments and responsibilities. When people care about what they are doing it makes a difference.
Our Department has also been continually supported by both the Community members and the members of City Government to include all the Mayors and other elected officials, and the elected Officials have always considered Public Safety a priority. While some things can’t be measured, I would like to think this type of dedication, support and visibility in the Community plays a significant role on safety and crime prevention. We try to be as proactive as possible, and pride ourselves in aggressively dealing with issues.
Tim Green, Chief of Police, Carmel Police Department
8. Greensburg
- Violent crime per 1,000: 2.6
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
- Property crime per 1,000: 6.4
- Burglary per 1,000: 0.9
- CreditDonkey safety score: 2.5
The city of Greensburg wants to be your hometown, especially if you’re raising a family. It’s got an old-fashioned feel with no shortage of modern amenities, but what you won’t find a lot of is crime. Two robberies and 11 burglaries were reported in 2014, and there were no murders or arsons on record.
7. Walkerton
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.4
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 7.0
- Burglary per 1,000: 2.6
- CreditDonkey safety score: 2.5
Head southwest out of South Bend and you’ll soon come upon the city of Walkerton. The city offers a touch of the past while remaining in touch with the future, with a pleasant rural setting as the backdrop. Crime-wise, Walkerton is the model of safety, with just one violent crime and 16 property crimes reported in 2014.
6. Berne
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.5
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
- Property crime per 1,000: 7.9
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.0
- CreditDonkey safety score: 2.4
Visiting one of Berne’s historical attractions is like taking a step back in time, and that sense of nostalgia is one reason people like living here. It doesn’t hurt that it’s one of the safest cities in the state, with fewer than 35 criminal acts reported in 2014. The Berne Police Department, which started out as an assembly of night watchmen, has since evolved into a 24/7, full-service law enforcement agency.
5. New Whiteland
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.3
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 6.6
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.6
- CreditDonkey safety score: 2.1
The slogan of the New Whiteland Police Department is “Police and Community: Partners in Crime Prevention,” and officers definitely take that seriously. The focus here is on providing all the city’s residents with a safe and healthy environment in which they can thrive. With a spot in our top five, it’s safe to say that the department is holding up its end of the bargain when it comes to preventing crime.
4. St. John
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.3
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 6.4
- Burglary per 1,000: 1.6
- CreditDonkey safety score: 2.1
The city of St. John is no slouch when it comes to safety. There were five violent crimes and 101 property crimes reported in 2014, including 26 burglaries but no robberies. Reserve officers assist the St. John Police Department with things like traffic control and disaster situations, and their efforts allow officers to devote more time to fighting crime.
3. Zionsville
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.2
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 5.8
- Burglary per 1,000: 0.2
- CreditDonkey safety score: 1.6
Less than 20 miles from Indianapolis, the city of Zionsville is a prosperous suburban community of almost 26,000 people. The local police department is sworn to protect the rights and of its citizens while also safeguarding their life and property. The department’s many divisions, including the K-9, the Special Response Team and the Reserve division, all work cooperatively to ensure those standards are upheld.
Here are just a few reasons why Zionsville thrives:
- Community involvement
- Amazing 5 star school system
- Professional dedicated public servants that are invested in the community
- A lot of public activities
- Social organizations that are dedicated to the qualify of life in our community
- Neighbors who usually know each other and watch for one and another
Edward Mitro, Town Manager, Town of Zionsville
2. North Liberty
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.5
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 3.1
- Burglary per 1,000: 0.5
- CreditDonkey safety score: 1.0
The governance of North Liberty encourages people to “come and grow with us,” and this is one place where you can do just that without fear of high crime. There was just one violent crime reported in 2014 and six property crimes, the lowest amount of any city in our rankings. There were zero robberies and only one of the property crime reports involved a burglary.
1. Ligonier
- Violent crime per 1,000: 0.2
- Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
- Property crime per 1,000: 2.7
- Burglary per 1,000: 0.5
- CreditDonkey safety score: 0.9
Ligonier lies in-between Fort Wayne and South Bend, which is great if you need to make the occasional foray into the big city. It managed to make it to the number one spot in our rankings based on the number of violent and property crimes reported in relation to its population. The city’s nearly 4,400 residents saw just one violent crime and 12 property crimes reported for all of 2014.
Conclusion
You might be feeling relieved if your city made our list but you shouldn’t panic if it didn’t. The FBI Crime Report is based on data from those cities that report their crime information each year. If your local law enforcement agency doesn’t participate in crime reporting, it wouldn’t register in the Crime Report, which means we wouldn’t be able to analyze its crime statistics. The cities we have included represent the places where you’ll have the least trouble sleeping easy at night in the great state of Indiana.
The Top 50 Safest Cities in Indiana
| Rank | City | Population | Total # of Violent Crimes1 | Total # of Property Crimes2 | Violent Crime Per 1,000 | Robbery Per 1,000 | Property Crime Per 1,000 | Burglary Per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ligonier | 4,373 | 1 | 12 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 2.7 | 0.5 |
| 2 | North Liberty | 1,911 | 1 | 6 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 3.1 | 0.5 |
| 3 | Zionsville | 25,574 | 6 | 149 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 5.8 | 0.2 |
| 4 | St. John | 15,870 | 5 | 101 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 6.4 | 1.6 |
| 5 | New Whiteland | 5,793 | 2 | 38 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 6.6 | 1.6 |
| 6 | Berne | 4,035 | 2 | 32 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 7.9 | 1.0 |
| 7 | Walkerton | 2,276 | 1 | 16 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 7.0 | 2.6 |
| 8 | Greensburg | 11,800 | 31 | 76 | 2.6 | 0.2 | 6.4 | 0.9 |
| 9 | Carmel | 87,555 | 12 | 816 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 9.3 | 0.8 |
| 10 | Fishers | 85,597 | 18 | 814 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 9.5 | 0.6 |
| 11 | Jasper | 15,370 | 36 | 145 | 2.3 | 0.0 | 9.4 | 1.0 |
| 12 | Winona Lake | 4,945 | 2 | 53 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 10.7 | 2.2 |
| 13 | Dyer | 16,244 | 16 | 189 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 11.6 | 0.9 |
| 14 | West Lafayette | 31,192 | 32 | 349 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 11.2 | 1.4 |
| 15 | South Whitley | 1,753 | 0 | 22 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 12.5 | 1.7 |
| 16 | Lowell | 9,403 | 44 | 82 | 4.7 | 0.0 | 8.7 | 1.0 |
| 17 | Westfield | 34,214 | 36 | 421 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 12.3 | 0.9 |
| 18 | North Manchester | 5,989 | 4 | 76 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 12.7 | 1.2 |
| 19 | Danville | 9,519 | 25 | 103 | 2.6 | 0.1 | 10.8 | 2.3 |
| 20 | Porter | 4,899 | 4 | 70 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 14.3 | 1.6 |
| 21 | Brownsburg | 23,539 | 44 | 360 | 1.9 | 0.2 | 15.3 | 1.7 |
| 22 | Munster | 23,187 | 21 | 386 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 16.6 | 1.0 |
| 23 | Columbia City | 8,816 | 12 | 143 | 1.4 | 0.1 | 16.2 | 1.9 |
| 24 | Nappanee | 6,705 | 5 | 115 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 17.2 | 2.4 |
| 25 | Greenfield | 21,381 | 29 | 363 | 1.4 | 0.1 | 17.0 | 2.6 |
| 26 | Hagerstown | 1,754 | 5 | 25 | 2.9 | 0.0 | 14.3 | 4.0 |
| 27 | Tell City | 7,298 | 1 | 140 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 19.2 | 2.6 |
| 28 | Bremen | 4,619 | 27 | 65 | 5.8 | 0.0 | 14.1 | 2.2 |
| 29 | Valparaiso | 32,382 | 35 | 619 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 19.1 | 1.7 |
| 30 | Sellersburg | 6,167 | 7 | 114 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 18.5 | 2.6 |
| 31 | Decatur | 9,419 | 5 | 191 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 20.3 | 2.1 |
| 32 | Bargersville | 6,554 | 3 | 134 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 20.4 | 2.7 |
| 33 | Cedar Lake | 11,736 | 20 | 222 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 18.9 | 3.2 |
| 34 | Auburn | 12,797 | 8 | 270 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 21.1 | 2.3 |
| 35 | Tipton | 4,970 | 8 | 94 | 1.6 | 0.6 | 18.9 | 3.6 |
| 36 | Plymouth | 10,036 | 14 | 214 | 1.4 | 0.1 | 21.3 | 2.3 |
| 37 | New Haven | 15,635 | 16 | 331 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 21.2 | 2.6 |
| 38 | Alexandria | 5,075 | 1 | 109 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 21.5 | 3.9 |
| 39 | Portage | 36,805 | 60 | 786 | 1.6 | 0.2 | 21.4 | 2.7 |
| 40 | Elwood | 8,493 | 12 | 164 | 1.4 | 0.0 | 19.3 | 5.9 |
| 41 | Delphi | 2,887 | 5 | 60 | 1.7 | 0.0 | 20.8 | 4.2 |
| 42 | Portland | 6,275 | 8 | 167 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 26.6 | 1.4 |
| 43 | Fairmount | 2,895 | 11 | 53 | 3.8 | 0.0 | 18.3 | 7.9 |
| 44 | Clinton | 4,759 | 16 | 101 | 3.4 | 0.0 | 21.2 | 5.9 |
| 45 | Highland | 23,179 | 15 | 617 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 26.6 | 3.6 |
| 46 | Union City | 3,496 | 7 | 91 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 26.0 | 4.3 |
| 47 | Charlestown | 8,091 | 1 | 229 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 28.3 | 3.8 |
| 48 | Kendallville | 9,904 | 27 | 271 | 2.7 | 0.0 | 27.4 | 2.3 |
| 49 | Plainfield | 30,727 | 55 | 892 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 29.0 | 2.5 |
| 50 | Lawrenceburg | 5,027 | 11 | 138 | 2.2 | 0.6 | 27.5 | 3.6 |
2Property crime includes burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
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| Safest Cities in Indiana 2016 © CreditDonkey |
Rebecca Lake is a journalist at CreditDonkey, a home security comparison and reviews website. Write to Rebecca Lake at rebecca@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
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