Central Ave Neighborhood, Indianapolis
Crime Rate & Statistics
Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average
Safety at a Glance
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in Indianapolis
Is Central Ave Safe?
Not really — crime is above the national average. Central Ave in Indianapolis, IN has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 170, which is 70% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Indianapolis average (crime index 99), Central Ave is 71% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 182, 82% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 122). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Central Ave Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Indianapolis city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
151 | +51% | High | |
|
Assault
|
182 | +82% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
161 | +61% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
134 | +34% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
161 | +61% | High | |
How Central Ave Compares
Crime index by category: Central Ave vs Indianapolis average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Central Ave Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Central Ave Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Central Ave, Indianapolis?
Central Ave in Indianapolis, IN has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 170, which is 70% above the national average. Compared to the Indianapolis average, crime in Central Ave is 71% higher.
Is Central Ave a safe neighborhood in Indianapolis?
Central Ave has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Assault (index: 182), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 122).
How does Central Ave compare to the rest of Indianapolis?
Central Ave's overall crime index is 170, compared to the Indianapolis average of 99. This means crime in Central Ave is 71% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 160, and for property crime it is 139. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Central Ave?
The most prevalent crime type in Central Ave is Assault, with a crime index of 182 (82% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Central Ave?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Meridian Kessler. These areas are close to Central Ave and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Central Ave?
Central Ave has a population of approximately 362. The median household income is $56,190. The median home value is $226,206. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Central Ave crime compare to the national average?
Central Ave's overall crime rate is 70% above the national average (index 170 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.