Franklin, IN Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Franklin, IN

Is Franklin, Indiana safe?

Franklin earns an overall crime grade of A, placing it among the safer small cities in Indiana. With a population of approximately 25,276 and a population density of just 695 residents per square mile, Franklin's relatively low density contributes to its strong safety profile. The city's median household income of $60,500 and an 11.5% poverty rate reflect a stable, working-class community where serious violent crime remains uncommon. Neighborhoods near Franklin College and the historic downtown district consistently draw positive feedback from residents regarding day-to-day safety. While no city is entirely free of crime, Franklin's A-grade standing means the vast majority of residents go about their lives without incident. Standard precautions — locking vehicles, staying aware at night, and reporting suspicious activity — are all that most residents need to feel secure.

What is the crime rate in Franklin, Indiana?

Franklin's overall crime grade is an A, which reflects a meaningfully lower crime burden than most U.S. cities of comparable size. Property crime — including theft and vehicle break-ins — accounts for the largest share of reported incidents in Franklin, as is typical nationally where property offenses make up roughly 85–90% of all crime. Violent crime in Franklin is notably rare relative to state and national benchmarks. The city's 5.8% unemployment rate, while slightly above the national average, has not translated into elevated crime levels, suggesting that community cohesion and active policing are effective counterweights. Residents in areas like Walnut Creek and Morning Walk subdivisions report low incident frequencies, consistent with the city's A-grade rating. For the most current incident-level data, the Franklin Police Department's official reports and third-party platforms like CrimeMapping.com provide granular breakdowns by crime type and date.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Franklin, IN?

Because Franklin holds an A overall crime grade, the city as a whole trends safe — but some neighborhoods stand out for particularly low incident rates. The areas surrounding Franklin College benefit from campus security presence and high foot traffic, which naturally deters opportunistic crime. The historic downtown district sees consistent foot traffic and regular police patrols, keeping incident rates low. Suburban subdivisions such as Walnut Creek and Morning Walk are frequently cited by residents for their quiet streets, well-maintained properties, and active neighborhood watch participation. Proximity to Johnson County Park also correlates with community engagement, which research consistently links to lower property crime rates. When evaluating any specific street or block, cross-referencing the Franklin crime map with recent incident reports will give you the most precise picture.

How does Franklin's crime compare to other Indiana cities?

Franklin's A crime grade puts it in the top tier of Indiana municipalities for public safety. For context, many mid-sized Indiana cities score in the C or D range, meaning Franklin's residents face a statistically lower likelihood of being affected by crime than residents of larger urban centers like Indianapolis or Gary. Franklin's median home value of $145,262 — affordable by state standards — combined with its A-grade safety rating makes it a compelling value proposition for families and first-time buyers. The city's 11.5% poverty rate is below many Indiana urban centers, and its $904 median rent reflects a cost of living that doesn't force residents into economically stressed circumstances that can elevate crime risk. Overall, Franklin consistently outperforms state averages on safety metrics.

Is Franklin a good place to live in 2026?

By the numbers, Franklin presents a strong case for livability in 2026. The city's A overall crime grade is the headline figure, but supporting data reinforces the picture: a median household income of $60,500, a median home value of $145,262 (well below the national median, offering genuine affordability), and a median rent of $904 per month. The 5.8% unemployment rate is a modest concern, sitting slightly above the national average, but Franklin's diverse local economy — anchored by small businesses, Franklin College, and proximity to the Indianapolis metro — provides multiple employment pathways. The 11.5% poverty rate, while present, has not undermined the city's safety grade. Families are drawn to neighborhoods like Morning Walk and Walnut Creek for their school access and community feel. For anyone weighing a move to Johnson County, Franklin's combination of low crime, affordable housing, and small-town character makes it one of the more well-rounded options in central Indiana.

What types of crime are most common in Franklin?

Consistent with national patterns for A-grade cities, property crime represents the most frequently reported category in Franklin, with theft — including shoplifting and vehicle break-ins — making up the bulk of incidents. Vandalism is occasionally reported in higher-traffic commercial corridors near the downtown district. Violent crime (assault, robbery) is comparatively rare and concentrated in isolated incidents rather than systemic patterns, which is a key reason Franklin maintains its A grade. Drug-related offenses are documented by Franklin PD and reflect a statewide challenge rather than a Franklin-specific problem; local enforcement has been proactive in addressing these cases. Overall, the incident profile of Franklin looks far more like a quiet suburban community than a high-crime urban area — property vigilance (securing vehicles, locking doors, not leaving valuables visible) addresses the most common risk factors residents face.