Near West Side Neighborhood, South Bend

Crime Rate & Statistics

B-

Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels

Safer than 16% of neighborhoods in South Bend

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High

Low 153 / 300 High

Violent Crime 107

7% above national avg

Property Crime 129

29% above national avg

City Ranking

16%

safer than other

South Bend neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in South Bend

Is Near West Side Safe?

Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Near West Side in South Bend, IN has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 153, which is 53% above the national average of 100. Near West Side is safer than 16% of neighborhoods in South Bend.

Compared to the South Bend average (crime index 117), Near West Side is 36% 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: 155, 55% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 70). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk

Assault · Index 155 (55% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Robbery · Index 70 (30% below avg)

Near West Side Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and South Bend city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs South Bend	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	99	-1%	-8%	Average
Assault	155	+55%	+35%	High
Robbery	70	-30%	-12%	Low
Rape	103	+3%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	135	+35%	+28%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	127	+27%	+6%	Moderate
Vehicle Theft	126	+26%	+8%	Moderate

How Near West Side Compares

Crime index by category: Near West Side vs South Bend average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Near West Side Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map

Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Near West Side Demographics & Context

Population

1,874

Median Income

$29,056

Home Value

$166,978

Median Age

Pop. Density

3,619/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 8.4%

Graduate Degree 8%

Housing

40%

60%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 26%

Black 54.7%

Hispanic 25.6%

Asian 0.5%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Lincoln Park Index: 192

C-

Oliver Gateway Index: 65

Near Northwest Index: 168

Kennedy Park Index: 170

C-

Westside Index: 83

A-

LaSalle Index: 167

C+

North Shore Triangle Index: 67

Monroe Park Index: 178

C+

Near West Side Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

South Bend Crime Statistics

View all South Bend neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Near West Side, South Bend?

Near West Side in South Bend, IN has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 153, which is 53% above the national average. Compared to the South Bend average, crime in Near West Side is 36% higher. Near West Side is safer than 16% of neighborhoods in South Bend.

Is Near West Side a safe neighborhood in South Bend?

Near West Side is generally considered a safe neighborhood in South Bend, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 155), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 70).

How does Near West Side compare to the rest of South Bend?

Near West Side's overall crime index is 153, compared to the South Bend average of 117. This means crime in Near West Side is 36% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 107, and for property crime it is 129. 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 Near West Side?

The most prevalent crime type in Near West Side is Assault, with a crime index of 155 (55% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.

What are safer neighborhoods near Near West Side?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Oliver Gateway, Near Northwest, Westside and North Shore Triangle. These areas are close to Near West Side and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Near West Side?

Near West Side has a population of approximately 1,874. The median household income is $29,056. The median home value is $166,978. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Near West Side crime compare to the national average?

Near West Side's overall crime rate is 53% above the national average (index 153 vs 100). Within South Bend, it is safer than 16% of neighborhoods. 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.