Whether you are relocating, comparing neighborhoods, or simply want to stay informed about local safety trends, understanding where crime tends to cluster can help you make confident decisions. Indianapolis is a fast-growing city with vibrant communities, new development, and strong cultural roots. But like most major metros, certain neighborhoods consistently report higher-than-average crime rates. Knowing where these patterns occur can help you stay aware and take simple steps to protect your home.
This guide highlights the areas in and around Indianapolis that show recurring patterns of elevated crime based on publicly available data from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), the FBI Crime Data Explorer, and third-party platforms that track neighborhood-level trends.
Related: Indianapolis Crime Rates & Statistics
How We Identified High-Crime Areas in Indianapolis
To identify the neighborhoods that report the highest concentration of crime, we reviewed long-term incident data from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, cross-referenced violent and property crime trends using the FBI Crime Data Explorer, and analyzed neighborhood-level reporting from independent crime-mapping tools like NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes. Together, these sources provide a consistent view of where crime occurs more frequently compared to the citywide average.
We focused on sustained patterns rather than short-term spikes. Local factors such as housing density, proximity to nightlife or commercial corridors, major roadways, university activity, and resident-reported concerns often shape neighborhood-level crime trends. Crime can also be highly concentrated block by block, meaning only a few streets may account for the majority of incidents in a larger area.
Areas in Indianapolis With the Highest Crime Rates
Near Eastside (including Emerson Heights and parts of Sherman Drive)
The Near Eastside reports some of the highest levels of violent and property crime in Indianapolis. Assaults, robberies, and residential burglaries are more common in certain pockets, particularly in older housing clusters and areas with higher foot traffic. Revitalization projects and nonprofit initiatives continue to expand throughout the area.
Haughville (West Indianapolis)
Located just west of downtown, Haughville regularly shows elevated crime rates relative to nearby neighborhoods. Vehicle theft, break-ins, and robbery appear frequently in reports. Community programs and redevelopment efforts are underway, but crime remains uneven across different blocks.
Martindale-Brightwood
Martindale-Brightwood experiences consistent patterns of violent crime, including aggravated assault and armed robbery. Property crime, such as theft and burglary, also happens at higher-than-average rates. Long-term community investment and housing initiatives are gradually influencing safety trends.
Fountain Square (Select Corridors)
Fountain Square is one of the city’s fastest-growing neighborhoods, but certain transitional sections near older commercial strips report elevated levels of theft, vandalism, and occasional violent incidents. Increased nightlife activity contributes to late-night theft and property crime.
Mapleton-Fall Creek
This large neighborhood includes stable residential pockets as well as areas that report higher-than-average assault, theft, and burglary. Community development organizations have made visible progress, but data still shows recurring crime clusters in certain sections.
Downtown / Mile Square (Event & Nightlife Corridors)
High foot traffic near entertainment venues, hotels, bars, and sporting events leads to higher rates of theft, vehicle break-ins, and isolated violent incidents. These trends reflect patterns seen in many major U.S. cities with concentrated nightlife activity.
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What Types of Crime Are Most Common?
Across Indianapolis neighborhoods with elevated crime, the most frequently reported incidents include:
- Assaults and robberies
- Vehicle break-ins and vehicle theft
- Home and apartment burglaries
- Theft near commercial or nightlife areas
- Vandalism near high-traffic corridors
Property crime makes up the majority of incidents, while violent crime tends to occur in concentrated pockets.
Crime Stats Do Not Tell the Whole Story
Many of the neighborhoods listed above are actively improving through city investment, community partnerships, and long-term redevelopment efforts. Crime may be concentrated within a few blocks, not the entire neighborhood. Lighting upgrades, new housing developments, resident-led programs, and increased patrols have contributed to shifting safety trends across many parts of the city.
Tips for Staying Safe in Any Part of Indianapolis
- Avoid poorly lit areas at night
- Lock car doors and remove valuables from sight
- Install outdoor security cameras or video doorbells
- Use door and window sensors on all entry points
- Stay engaged through neighborhood associations or local forums
- Report suspicious activity promptly to local authorities
For You: Top Neighborhood Watch Apps
How Guardian Protection Can Help
For residents living in or near higher-crime areas, Guardian Protection provides home security systems designed for fast detection, real-time alerts, and dependable monitoring. Our systems are built to help you stay safe and aware, whether you are at home or away. Solutions include:
- Indoor and outdoor security cameras
- Smart motion detectors and door/window sensors
- Professional monitoring for emergency response
- Smart home controls with mobile app management
Explore Guardian’s services in your area: Home Security in Indianapolis
Taking the Next Step Toward Home Safety
Living in a higher-crime area does not mean you have to feel unsafe. With the right tools, awareness, and community involvement, you can protect your home and your peace of mind. Whether you are upgrading your security or staying informed through neighborhood programs, every step helps create a safer Indianapolis for everyone.
Get a free quote or call 800.857.5028 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Neighborhoods such as the Near Eastside, Haughville, Martindale-Brightwood, selected corridors of Fountain Square, Mapleton-Fall Creek, and the downtown nightlife zone often report higher crime rates.
Yes. Many Indianapolis neighborhoods are stable, family-oriented, and community-driven. Crime tends to be concentrated within specific pockets rather than across the entire city.
Property crime is the most common category citywide, including theft, burglary, and vehicle break-ins.
IMPD offers public crime mapping tools, and third-party platforms track neighborhood-level reports across the city.
Yes. In many parts of Indianapolis, crime is concentrated within a limited number of blocks rather than the entire neighborhood.
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