South Bend, NE Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 99% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is South Bend Safe?
Yes — South Bend is extremely safe
One of the safest cities in the country, with crime rates significantly below the national average.
South Bend has a crime rate that is 54% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 615.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 615
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
57% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 543
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
90% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
South Bend Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
17 | -83% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
47 | -53% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
32 | -68% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
36 | -64% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
33 | -67% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
5 | -95% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
6 | -94% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
South Bend Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
South Bend Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific South Bend zip codes.
South Bend Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Bend, NE?
South Bend, NE has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 54% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 615 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 543 chance for property crime. South Bend has lower crime than 99% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is South Bend, NE safe to live in?
South Bend is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of A+. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting South Bend is strongly recommended.
What is the violent crime rate in South Bend?
The estimated violent crime rate in South Bend is 162.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 57% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 615 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 0.8 per 100K (83% below average); aggravated assault at 126.2 per 100K (53% below average); robbery at 23.6 per 100K (68% below average).
What is the property crime rate in South Bend?
The estimated property crime rate in South Bend is 184.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 90% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 543 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 89.2 per 100K (67% below average); larceny/theft at 75.2 per 100K (95% below average); vehicle theft at 19.9 per 100K (94% below average).
How does South Bend crime compare to the national average?
South Bend's overall crime rate is 54% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (53% below average), while larceny/theft is 95% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, South Bend has lower crime than 99% of them.
Is South Bend safe to visit?
South Bend is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 90% below 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.
How does South Bend crime compare to the rest of Nebraska?
Nebraska as a whole has crime that is 19% above the national average. South Bend's crime rate is 54% below the national average, making it safer the typical Nebraska city.
What type of crime is most common in South Bend?
Aggravated assault is the most common crime in South Bend, with an estimated rate of 126.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 53% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (184 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (163 per 100K) in South Bend, which is consistent with national trends.