South Bend, IN Crime Rate & Safety

South Bend, IN has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 11% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 255 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 44 chance for property crime. South Bend has higher crime than 73% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

South Bend has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 84% of the city's 45 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Old Sunny Farm is one of the safest areas, while Kennedy Park has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting South Bend is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in South Bend are Old Sunny Farm, McKinley School Area, Sunnymede, Miami / Ridgedale, and East Wayne Street. 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 South Bend include Kennedy Park, Far Northwest, Northeast South Bend, LaSalle, and Monroe 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 South Bend is 391.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 3% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 255 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.4 per 100K (8% above average); aggravated assault at 286.1 per 100K (7% above average); robbery at 69.0 per 100K (7% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in South Bend is 2,248.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 23% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 44 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 300.6 per 100K (11% above average); larceny/theft at 1,602.0 per 100K (14% above average); vehicle theft at 346.1 per 100K (9% above average).

South Bend's overall crime rate is 11% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (14% above average), while rape is 8% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, South Bend has higher crime than 73% of them.

Visitors to South Bend should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 23% 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 Old Sunny Farm, McKinley School Area, Sunnymede.

Indiana as a whole has crime that is 1% below the national average. South Bend's crime rate is 11% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Indiana city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in South Bend, with an estimated rate of 1,602.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 14% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,249 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (392 per 100K) in South Bend, which is consistent with national trends.