Indiana, known for its scenic landscapes and vibrant communities, also harbors cities that face significant challenges. From high crime rates to economic struggles, some places in the Hoosier State are less than ideal for residents. This article explores the Top 10 Worst Places and Most Dangerous Cities to Live in Indiana, shedding light on the socio-economic factors that contribute to these rankings. By examining population statistics, poverty rates, unemployment figures, and crime statistics, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the cities where residents face the greatest difficulties. Whether it's due to financial hardships, crime, or other socio-economic issues, these cities reflect the realities of urban life in Indiana.  Top 10 Worst Places to Live In Indiana . Top 10 Worst Cities In Indiana to Live, Raise a Family, Job or Retire. Top 10 Worst Towns in Indiana. Top 10 Worst Villages in Indiana. If you’re thinking about a move to Indiana, here are the places you should avoid to live, retire or raise a family. 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Indiana You Should Never Move To. Top 10 Worst Cities To Live In Indiana. 10 Places in Indiana You Should NEVER Move To.

 

1. South Bend, Indiana

South Bend, located in northern Indiana, is a city rich in history and known for its cultural institutions and proximity to the University of Notre Dame. Originally a hub for the Studebaker automobile company, South Bend has transformed over the years but continues to grapple with economic challenges and high crime rates. This city, which once thrived on manufacturing, now faces socio-economic hurdles that impact its residents significantly.

In terms of crime rankings, South Bend ranks alarmingly high in several categories. It holds the 1st position in Violent Crimes, Poverty, and Theft, indicating a severe safety and economic crisis. The city is also ranked 2nd in Unemployment, underscoring the challenges residents face in finding stable employment. Additionally, it ranks 2nd in Murders, 4th in Robberies, 5th in Rapes, 5th in Burglaries, and 4th in Car Thefts. This combination of high crime rates paints a concerning picture of safety for residents.

Examining the socio-economic aspects, South Bend has a population of 102,686, which reflects a community that is both vibrant and struggling. The poverty rate stands at 21.5%, significantly exceeding the national average of 14.1%. This indicates that roughly 1 in 5 residents live below the poverty line. The typical household income in South Bend is approximately $42,657, which is about 36.8% lower than the national average. Alarmingly, over 10% of households earn less than $10,000 a year, compared to the national rate of 5.8%. Moreover, nearly 56.7% of households earn less than $50,000, further illustrating the economic difficulties faced by the residents.

The unemployment rate in South Bend is 6%, which is 27.66% higher than the national rate. These socio-economic challenges are compounded by crime rates, with the overall crime rate in the city being 129.83% higher than the national average. Specifically, the violent crime rate is 345.46% higher than average, meaning residents face a 1 in 58 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Property crime rates are also concerning, with residents having a 1 in 27 chance of becoming victims.

Key Stats:

• Population : 102686
• Unemployment Rate : 6%
• Poverty : 21.5%
• Median Home Value : $88600
• Median Home Income : $42657
• Overall Score : 4/10
• Violent Crime : 1765
• Property Crime : 3741

 

2. Evansville, Indiana

Evansville, located in the southern region of Indiana, is the third-largest city in the state with a population of 118,414. Known for its vibrant arts scene and rich history, Evansville is also home to several cultural attractions, including the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science. Despite these appealing aspects, the city faces significant socio-economic challenges, particularly in terms of crime and poverty.

Evansville ranks 4th in Violent Crimes and 3rd in Assaults in the state. The poverty rate is 21%, which is 50% higher than the national average. The typical household income is $42,623 per year, 36.85% lower than the national average. Financial hardship is common, with 1 in 5 residents living below the poverty line, significantly above the national poverty rate of 14.1%. Furthermore, over 1 in 12 households earn less than $10,000 annually, compared to 5.8% nationwide. Nearly 57.4% of households earn less than $50,000 a year, while the national rate is 39%.

The unemployment rate in Evansville is 6.2%, which is 31.91% higher than the national average. The overall crime rate in the city is 96.82% higher than the national average, with the violent crime rate being 159.38% higher. Residents face a 1 in 100 chance of becoming victims of violent crime, while the property crime rate is 84.43% higher, with residents having a 1 in 28 chance of being affected.

Key Stats:

• Population: 118,414
• Unemployment Rate: 6.2%
• Poverty Rate: 21%
• Median Home Value: $98,600
• Median Household Income: $42,623
• Overall Score: 4/10
• Violent Crime Cases: 1,185
• Property Crime Cases: 4,252

3. Gary, Indiana

Gary, Indiana, is a city situated in the northwest part of the state with a population of 75,486. Historically known for its steel production and proximity to Lake Michigan, Gary has faced economic decline in recent years, leading to high unemployment and poverty rates.

Gary ranks 1st in Murders and Car Thefts,  Burglaries; 2nd in Unemployment, 3rd in Robberies . The poverty rate stands at 33.1%, which is 136.43% higher than the national average. The typical household income is $31,315 per year, which is 53.61% lower than the national average. Financial hardship is prevalent, with 1 in 3 residents living below the poverty line, far exceeding the national poverty rate of 14.1%. Additionally, more than 1 in 7 households earn less than $10,000 a year, compared to 5.8% nationwide. Nearly 69.5% of households earn less than $50,000 a year, while the national rate is 39%.

The unemployment rate in Gary is 12.7%, which is 170.21% higher than the national rate. The overall crime rate in the city is 75.21% higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate that is 42.86% higher. Residents have a 1 in 182 chance of being victims of violent crime, while the property crime rate is 81.62% higher, with a 1 in 28 chance of becoming a victim.

Key Stats:

• Population: 75,486
• Unemployment Rate: 12.7%
• Poverty Rate: 33.1%
• Median Home Value: $68,400
• Median Household Income: $31,315
• Overall Score: 4/10
• Violent Crime Cases: 414
• Property Crime Cases: 2,656

4. Shelbyville, Indiana

Shelbyville is a smaller city in Indiana with a population of 18,918. Known for its rich agricultural heritage and proximity to Indianapolis, Shelbyville offers a quieter, community-oriented lifestyle but also faces its own economic challenges.

The poverty rate in Shelbyville is 16.3%, which is 16.43% higher than the national average. The typical household income is $49,586 per year, which is 26.54% lower than the national average. While not as severe as in other cities, financial challenges persist.

The unemployment rate in Shelbyville is relatively low at 4.1%, which is slightly below the national average. However, the violent crime rate is 60.34% higher than the national average, and residents have a 1 in 156 chance of being victims of violent crime. This figure highlights ongoing safety concerns within the community, despite its overall smaller size.

Key Stats:

• Population: 18,918
• Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
• Poverty Rate: 16.3%
• Median Home Value: $103,600
• Median Household Income: $49,586
• Overall Score: 5/10
• Violent Crime Cases: 121
• Property Crime Cases: 330

5. East Chicago, Indiana

East Chicago, located in northwest Indiana near Lake Michigan, has a population of 28,044. Known for its diverse community and historical significance, East Chicago has faced economic and social challenges in recent decades.

East Chicago ranks 7th in Unemployment, 4th in Poverty, and 3rd in Murders in the state. The poverty rate is 30.6%, which is 118.57% higher than the national average. The typical household income is $35,396 per year, which is 47.56% lower than the national average. Financial hardship is widespread, with 1 in 3 residents living below the poverty line, significantly above the national poverty rate of 14.1%. Additionally, more than 1 in 7 households earn less than $10,000 annually, compared to 5.8% nationwide, and nearly 65.6% earn less than $50,000 a year.

The unemployment rate in East Chicago is 8.5%, which is 80.85% higher than the national average. The overall crime rate is 99.16% higher than the national average, with the violent crime rate being 86.91% higher. Residents face a 1 in 140 chance of being victims of violent crime, while the property crime rate is 101.58% higher, with a 1 in 26 chance of becoming a victim.

Key Stats:

• Population: 28,044
• Unemployment Rate: 8.5%
• Poverty Rate: 30.6%
• Median Home Value: $73,100
• Median Household Income: $35,396
• Overall Score: 5/10
• Violent Crime Cases: 201
• Property Crime Cases: 1,094

 

6. Marion, Indiana

Marion is a city located in the central part of Indiana, known for its rich history in the manufacturing sector and as a former hub for the General Motors plant. With a population of 27,730 residents, Marion serves as the county seat of Grant County. The city is recognized for its vibrant community and cultural heritage, including the historic matter of the 1930s when it gained national attention due to the lynching of African American teenager Marion. Despite its historical significance, Marion faces significant socio-economic challenges.

The city ranks 5th in unemployment, 4th in median income, and 6th in poverty in Indiana. The poverty rate in Marion is 27.9%, which is 99.29% higher than the national average. The typical household in Marion earns $35,252 a year, which is 47.77% lower than the national average. Financial hardship is relatively common in the city, with 1 in every 4 residents living below the poverty line, significantly above the national poverty rate of 14.1%.

Moreover, more than 1 in every 9 area households lives on an income of less than $10,000 a year. Nationwide, only 5.8% of households fall into this category. Nearly 65.4% of households earn less than $50,000 a year, compared to 39% nationwide.

The unemployment rate in Marion is 9.6%, which is 104.26% higher than the national rate. The overall crime rate in the city is 49.04% higher than the national average. The property crime rate is 59.66% higher than the national average, with residents having a 1 in 32 chance of being a victim of property crime.

• Population: 27,730
• Unemployment Rate: 9.6%
• Poverty Rate: 27.9%
• Median Home Value: $69,800
• Median Household Income: $35,252
• Overall Score: 5/10
• Violent Crime: 103
• Property Crime: 870

7. Peru, Indiana

Peru is a city in Indiana State in the USA, located in the north-central part of the state. Known as the "Circus City" due to its historical ties to the circus industry, Peru boasts a rich cultural heritage and hosts the annual Peru Circus Festival. The city has a population of 11,369 residents and ranks 11th in median income and 8th in poverty in Indiana.

The poverty rate in Peru is 24.7%, which is 76.43% higher than the national average. The typical household in Peru earns $40,065 a year, which is 40.64% lower than the national average. Financial hardship is relatively common in the city, with 1 in every 4 residents living below the poverty line, significantly above the national poverty rate of 14.1%.

Additionally, more than 1 in every 12 area households lives on an income of less than $10,000 a year. Nationwide, only 5.8% of households fall into this category. Nearly 63% of households earn less than $50,000 a year, compared to 39% nationwide.

The unemployment rate in Peru is 5.8%, which is 23.4% higher than the national rate. The overall crime rate in the city is 63.54% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is 19.79% higher than the national average, with residents having a 1 in 223 chance of being a victim of violent crime. The property crime rate is 72.21% higher than the national average, with a 1 in 31 chance of being a victim of property crime.

• Population: 11,369
• Unemployment Rate: 5.8%
• Poverty Rate: 24.7%
• Median Home Value: $63,700
• Median Household Income: $40,065
• Overall Score: 5/10
• Violent Crime: 51
• Property Crime: 370

8. Muncie, Indiana

Muncie is a city located in east-central Indiana and is home to Ball State University, a prominent educational institution known for its architecture and planning programs. With a population of 67,739 residents, Muncie has a rich industrial history and has been recognized for its contributions to various manufacturing sectors. The city ranks 9th in unemployment, 3rd in median income, and 5th in poverty in Indiana, along with ranking 2nd in car thefts.

The poverty rate in Muncie is 30.2%, which is 115.71% higher than the national average. The typical household in Muncie earns $34,602 a year, which is 48.74% lower than the national average. Financial hardship is relatively common in the city, with 1 in every 3 residents living below the poverty line, significantly above the national poverty rate of 14.1%.

Additionally, more than 1 in every 7 area households lives on an income of less than $10,000 a year. Nationwide, only 5.8% of households fall into this category. Nearly 63.2% of households earn less than $50,000 a year, compared to 39% nationwide.

The unemployment rate in Muncie is 7.7%, which is 63.83% higher than the national rate. The overall crime rate in the city is 55.78% higher than the national average. The property crime rate is 70.3% higher than the national average, with residents having a 1 in 30 chance of being a victim of property crime.

• Population: 67,739
• Unemployment Rate: 7.7%
• Poverty Rate: 30.2%
• Median Home Value: $76,500
• Median Household Income: $34,602
• Overall Score: 5/10
• Violent Crime: 219
• Property Crime: 2,281

9. Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis is the capital city of Indiana, located in the central part of the state. Known for hosting the famous Indianapolis 500 auto race, the city has a diverse cultural scene and is a major economic hub in the Midwest. With a population of 869,387 residents, Indianapolis ranks 2nd in total crimes, 2nd in violent crimes, and 5th in property crimes, along with ranking 1st in robberies, 4th in assaults, 4th in rapes, 1st in burglaries, and 3rd in car thefts.

The poverty rate in Indianapolis is 16.9%, which is 20.71% higher than the national average. The typical household in Indianapolis earns $50,813 a year, which is 24.72% lower than the national average. The unemployment rate in Indianapolis is 5.7%, which is 21.28% higher than the national rate.

The overall crime rate in the city is 130.26% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is 228.04% higher than the national average, with residents having a 1 in 78 chance of being a victim of violent crime. The property crime rate is 110.89% higher than the national average, with a 1 in 24 chance of being a victim of property crime.

• Population: 869,387
• Unemployment Rate: 5.7%
• Poverty Rate: 16.9%
• Median Home Value: $145,200
• Median Household Income: $50,813
• Overall Score: 5/10
• Violent Crime: 11,170
• Property Crime: 36,237

10. Elkhart, Indiana

Elkhart is a city located in northern Indiana, known as the "RV Capital of the World" due to its significant manufacturing of recreational vehicles. With a population of 52,657 residents, Elkhart has a vibrant community and a rich cultural scene. The city ranks 3rd in violent crimes, 2nd in assaults, 3rd in burglaries, and 5th in car thefts.

The poverty rate in Elkhart is 22%, which is 57.14% higher than the national average. The typical household in Elkhart earns $40,101 a year, which is 40.59% lower than the national average. Financial hardship is relatively common in the city, with 1 in every 5 residents living below the poverty line, significantly above the national poverty rate of 14.1%.

Moreover, more than 1 in every 9 area households lives on an income of less than $10,000 a year. Nationwide, only 5.8% of households fall into this category. Nearly 60.8% of households earn less than $50,000 a year, compared to 39% nationwide.

The unemployment rate in Elkhart is 6.7%, which is 42.55% higher than the national rate. The overall crime rate in the city is 101.8% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is 205.41% higher than the national average, with residents having a 1 in 84 chance of being a victim of violent crime. The property crime rate is 81.27% higher than the national average, with a 1 in 28 chance of being a victim of property crime.

• Population: 52,657
• Unemployment Rate: 6.7%
• Poverty Rate: 22%
• Median Home Value: $121,000
• Median Household Income: $40,101
• Overall Score: 5/10
• Violent Crime: 714
• Property Crime: 2,142