Fort Wayne, IN Crime Rate & Safety

Fort Wayne, IN has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 15% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 331 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 53 chance for property crime. Fort Wayne has lower crime than 45% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Fort Wayne has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Approximately 94% of the city's 372 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Mystic Woods is one of the safest areas, while Renaissance Pointe has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Fort Wayne is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Fort Wayne are Mystic Woods, Old Auburn Villas, Community of Chadwick, Laurel Ridge, and Valley Place. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Fort Wayne include Renaissance Pointe, Victoria Park, East Side, Pontiac Place, and Greater McMillen Park. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Fort Wayne is 302.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 21% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 331 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.4 per 100K (11% below average); aggravated assault at 210.1 per 100K (22% below average); robbery at 61.7 per 100K (16% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Fort Wayne is 1,888.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 3% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 53 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 234.6 per 100K (13% below average); larceny/theft at 1,351.7 per 100K (4% below average); vehicle theft at 301.9 per 100K (5% below average).

Fort Wayne's overall crime rate is 15% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (4% below average), while assault is 22% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Fort Wayne has lower crime than 45% of them.

Visitors to Fort Wayne should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 3% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Mystic Woods, Old Auburn Villas, Community of Chadwick.

Indiana as a whole has crime that is 1% below the national average. Fort Wayne's crime rate is 15% below the national average, making it safer the typical Indiana city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Fort Wayne, with an estimated rate of 1,351.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 4% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,888 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (303 per 100K) in Fort Wayne, which is consistent with national trends.