Safest Cities in Indiana (2025) | Hidden Gems & Rankings

Is Indiana Safe in 2025? Yes, But Here’s Where It’s Safest.

Indiana ranks among the top 15 safest states in the U.S., yet most residents don’t feel that way. Why? Because safety in Indiana is local. Some towns have crime rates near zero, while others face challenges. This guide reveals the safest cities to live in Indiana, based on the latest data—plus tips to help you choose wisely.

Takeaway: These cities not only rank safest in Indiana—they beat national crime averages by 3–5x.

Live Safe Without Breaking the Bank.

If you’re searching for the perfect balance of low crime and low cost, Indiana has hidden gems.

Tip: Safety doesn’t have to be expensive—especially in these towns.

Here’s our ranking of the safest cities and towns in Indiana, based on the latest crime data. Whether you’re looking for a quiet suburban retreat or a bustling small town, these areas are known for their safety and welcoming communities.

Zionsville tops the list as one of the safest cities in Indiana. Located just northwest of Indianapolis, this charming suburb offers a small-town feel with tree-lined streets and excellent schools. Zionsville’s crime rate is significantly below the national average, making it a great place for families.

• Violent Crimes: 0.27 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crimes: 4.1 per 1,000 residents

• Law Enforcement Presence: Strong community-policing programs

In addition to safety, Zionsville boasts a historic downtown filled with boutique shops and restaurants, perfect for a leisurely weekend stroll.

Located in Hamilton County, Westfield is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and low crime rates. The city is home to the popular Grand Park Sports Campus and offers easy access to the Monon Trail, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Violent Crimes: 0.32 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crimes: 5.3 per 1,000 residents

With highly-rated schools and a growing housing market, Westfield is an attractive option for those seeking a safe, suburban lifestyle.

Fishers has consistently been recognized as one of the best cities to live in Indiana, thanks to its strong economy, excellent schools, and low crime rates. The city’s commitment to community safety is evident in its extensive neighborhood watch programs and active law enforcement presence.

• Violent Crimes: 0.5 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crimes: 6.2 per 1,000 residents

Fishers offers a mix of suburban living with urban amenities, making it a great place for both families and young professionals.

Carmel is another gem in Hamilton County, known for its top-tier schools and focus on safety. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene, with the Center for the Performing Arts and a variety of cultural events throughout the year.

• Violent Crimes: 0.4 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crimes: 5.7 per 1,000 residents

Carmel’s roundabout system helps reduce traffic accidents, adding to the overall safety of the community.

A small town in Johnson County, New Whiteland is ideal for those looking for a tight-knit community with affordable housing options. With one of the lowest crime rates in the state, New Whiteland offers peace of mind for its residents.

• Violent Crimes: 0.22 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crimes: 4.8 per 1,000 residents

Its proximity to Indianapolis makes New Whiteland a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city convenience.

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Indiana lies in the heart of the Midwest, where severe weather—including tornadoes—is a possibility. While no town is completely immune to natural disasters, some areas offer better protection due to their geography and emergency preparedness programs.

Bloomington, home to Indiana University, has a relatively low risk of tornadoes compared to other parts of the state. Its emergency response system and well-maintained infrastructure help keep residents safe.

West Lafayette, home to Purdue University, is another safe option. The city has a strong emergency preparedness plan and a low history of severe weather damage.

Columbus is known for its well-designed public spaces and strong community safety initiatives. While tornadoes can happen, the city’s robust infrastructure helps minimize damage.

Indiana's story is larger than just cities—its counties and neighborhoods matter too. Let’s explore what the map of Indiana teaches us about population trends and safety:

• The population of LaGrange Indiana, sits near 3,000—quiet, rural, and consistently ranked among Indiana’s safest towns.
• Mitchell Indiana population is about 4,300, with crime rates lower than state averages—ideal for families and retirees.
• On the flip side, Goshen Indiana (pop. ~34K) and Alexandria Indiana (pop. ~5K) offer small-city vibes with tight-knit neighborhoods and calm streets.

By using this map of Indiana lens, prospective buyers and renters can visually connect demographic density with safety indicators and make well-balanced decisions—whether they want the closeness of a Cumberland Indiana suburb, the charm of Irvington Indiana, or the affordable serenity of Avon Indiana.

Let’s shine a spotlight on some under‑the‑radar towns in Southern and Central Indiana—safe, community-oriented, and full of heart:

• Southport Indiana: A quiet suburb just south of Indianapolis known for low crime, well-kept streets, and a growing sense of community.
• Peru, Indiana: Often asked “Is Peru Indiana safe?” – the answer is yes! Peru maintains low violent‐crime stats, active neighborhood watches, and is committed to public safety.
• Mitchell Indiana: Nestled near the Bloomington metro area, it’s a small town first—Mitchell Indiana population is under 5,000—but with a safety score that rivals Indiana’s safer suburbs.

Each town offers its own local flavor—festivals, parks, and strong school involvement—making them appealing yet overlooked options for safe, affordable Indiana living.

College towns like West Lafayette and Bloomington don’t just offer top-tier education—they deliver community safety too.

• West Lafayette (Purdue University): With a violent crime rate under 0.3 per 1,000 residents, West Lafayette ranks among Indiana’s safest college towns. Its walkable campus and active emergency alert system make it ideal for students and families alike.
• Bloomington (Indiana University): While lively with student life, Bloomington’s east side and Elm Heights neighborhood remain quiet and secure. The city’s community policing keeps crime in check, especially near campus.
• Lafayette: Often overlooked next to its twin city West Lafayette, Lafayette maintains strong public safety programs, especially in neighborhoods like Vinton Highlands.
• South Bend (Notre Dame): South Bend has made big strides, with targeted policing near campus and revitalized neighborhoods like Erskine Park. It’s one of the Midwest’s rising safe zones for university towns.
• Why it matters: If you're looking to live, invest, or study in Indiana, these towns blend academic prestige with community security—making them ideal for families, faculty, and first-time buyers.

Indy’s suburbs offer a powerful combination of space, schools, and safety—without big-city noise.

• Franklin Township, Indiana: Located on the southeast side of Indy, this township has seen major growth thanks to its low crime rate and highly-rated schools like Franklin Central High.
• Camby: Straddling Marion and Hendricks counties, Camby offers rural peace just 20 minutes from downtown Indy. Its housing boom hasn’t sacrificed safety—violent crime here remains rare.
• Clermont, IN: A hidden gem on the west side, Clermont is beloved for its tight-knit vibe and low property crime. Local events and parks make it a favorite for families.
• Southeast Indianapolis Neighborhoods: Look into neighborhoods like Wanamaker and Acton—these areas are part of the “safest neighborhoods in Indianapolis Indiana,” with growing appeal for young families.
• Northwest Side (Pike Township): While more urban, Pike Township includes several subdivisions with low crime and strong HOA oversight—ranking among the “safest parts of Indianapolis.”

Pro tip: These suburbs are still affordable and often overlooked, but they're climbing in demand—making now the time to buy or invest.

Sometimes smaller is smarter. These Indiana towns prove you don’t need a big city to feel safe and settled.

• Culver, Indiana: Home to Culver Academies and Lake Maxinkuckee, this town of ~1,400 blends private education prestige with waterside tranquility.
• Warsaw, Indiana: Known as the orthopedic capital of the world, Warsaw has strong local employment, scenic lakes, and neighborhoods like Winona Lake with near-zero crime.
• Monticello, Indiana: Perfect for summer lovers, this town near Lake Shafer is affordable, relaxed, and popular among retirees for its low violent crime rates.
• Brookville, Indiana: Located near the Ohio border, Brookville offers small-town warmth and scenic river views. Its family-friendly downtown and low crime make it a sleeper pick.
• Aurora, Indiana: Nestled along the Ohio River, Aurora is safe, historic, and filled with Victorian homes. The crime rate here is significantly lower than nearby cities.
• Boonville, Indiana: This southern Indiana gem has a strong sense of community, good schools, and a reputation for being one of the safest towns in Indiana.
• Wabash, Indiana: With a population under 10,000, Wabash offers quiet charm, art events, and historic downtown living—all with low crime and great walkability.

Ideal for: Remote workers, downsizers, or anyone seeking a quieter, safer lifestyle that doesn’t sacrifice community or culture.

Find your next home in one of Indiana’s safest cities—without overpaying. Whether you're leaning toward Zionsville’s family charm or Goshen’s small-town calm, the right neighborhood can make all the difference.

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Yes—but safety varies by city. Zionsville, Carmel, and Westfield are among the safest in Indiana, with crime rates far below the national average.

Zionsville consistently ranks #1 due to its near-zero violent crime rate, strong policing, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Very low. West Lafayette has a violent crime rate under 0.3 per 1,000 and ranks as one of the safest college towns in the Midwest.

For many, yes. While some areas struggle, most suburban and college towns in Indiana are safer than national averages.

Bloomington, West Lafayette, and Columbus have strong emergency plans and historically lower storm damage.