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C-

Is South Bend, Indiana Safe?

Population 103,201 · Safer than 26% of US cities

Improving· 2023 FBI UCR data

South Bend earns a C- safety grade with 239.1 crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crime runs below the national average, putting the city behind 74% of US cities. Property crime makes up the majority of offenses, with theft at 1,840 per 100K.

South Bend Crime Rates vs State and National Averages

MetricSouth BendIndiana AvgNational Avg
Violent Crime Rate296.5309.2363.8
Property Crime Rate2094.72091.51,832.3
Murder Rate3.0--5.7
Assault Rate214.0--268.2
Theft Rate1840.0--1,401.5
Vehicle Theft Rate187.0--318.3

All rates per 100,000 residents. 2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report + Census Bureau population estimates.

Overall SafetyC-

239.1 crimes per 1,000 residents

Violent CrimeC+

297/100K (national avg: 364)

Property CrimeD+

2095/100K (national avg: 1,832)

Key Crime Statistics for South Bend

Violent crime in South Bend is below the national average. The rate of 296.5 per 100K falls below the national 363.8.

Property crime is close to the national average at 2094.7 per 100K vs. the national 1,832.3.

Theft is the most reported crime at 1,840 per 100K. The national average is 1,401.5.

South Bend Crime Breakdown by Category

Murder3
053% of avgAvg: 5.7
Assault214
080% of avgAvg: 268.2
Robbery51
081% of avgAvg: 63.3
Burglary281
01.0x national avgAvg: 269.8
Theft1,840
01.3x national avgAvg: 1,401.5
Vehicle Theft187
059% of avgAvg: 318.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. Vertical marker = national average.

How South Bend Compares

Violent Crime Rate (per 100K)

South Bend
296.5
State
309.2
National
363.8

Property Crime Rate (per 100K)

South Bend
2094.7
State
2091.5
National
1832.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. National averages from 2023 FBI UCR data.

Frequently Asked Questions About South Bend Safety

Is South Bend safe?
Not especially. South Bend earns a C- with a crime rate of 239.1 per 1,000 residents, and violent crime runs below the national average. Standard precautions apply, especially at night.
What is the crime rate in South Bend?
239.1 per 1,000 residents. That breaks down to a violent crime rate of 296.5 per 100,000 (the national average is 363.8) and property crime at 2094.7 per 100,000 (national average: 1832.3).
Is South Bend safe for tourists?
Exercise extra caution. South Bend's C- grade reflects real risk, particularly for property crime. Theft (1,840 per 100K) is the biggest concern for visitors. Stay in well-lit, busy areas at night.
What are the safest neighborhoods in South Bend?
Neighborhood-level data varies, but suburban residential areas in South Bend generally report lower crime than downtown or commercial districts. For block-level detail, check the South Bend police department's crime map.
Is crime increasing in South Bend?
No. Crime in South Bend has been trending down, which is good news for the C--rated city.
How does South Bend compare to other cities in Indiana?
Below average for the state. South Bend ranks behind about 82% of Indiana cities on safety, with property crime being the bigger issue at 1.1x the national rate.
How safe is South Bend to live in?
Worth factoring into your decision. Violent crime is below the national average, which is encouraging. Crime has been dropping, which helps.
How bad is crime in South Bend?
Bad. A C- grade and 239.1 per-thousand rate put South Bend below 74% of US cities. Violent crime at 297 per 100K is the core problem.
What is the violent crime rate in South Bend?
296.5 per 100,000, which is 18% below the national average of 363.8. That includes assault (214), robbery (51), and murder (3.0) per 100,000.

Nearby Cities in Indiana

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View all Indiana city safety grades

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2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report data and Census Bureau population estimates. Safety grades calculated using national and state-level crime rate distributions. Not a substitute for local law enforcement guidance.

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