Crime and Pollution in Indianapolis

The following data and statistics on crime, pollution, and overall safety in Indianapolis are derived from a combination of trusted public sources and insights gathered from over 109 user contributions.

This comprehensive approach helps provide a balanced view of the city's crime rates, environmental concerns, air quality, and public safety. By aggregating information from government reports, environmental studies, and direct feedback from residents, we aim offer an up-to-date and thorough analysis of key factors impacting quality of life in Indianapolis.

Crime Data in Indianapolis

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Indianapolis presents high crime levels with significant concerns among its residents. Despite efforts to enhance safety, anxieties regarding violent and property crimes persist.

Residents express heightened fears during nighttime and a prevailing sentiment that crime rates are on the rise.

Some notable concerns include:
  • Property CrimesProperty crimes, including theft and home burglaries, are pressing concerns for Indianapolis residents. Public anxiety over these crimes is comparably high, demanding urgent attention.
  • Drug-Related IssuesDrug-related offenses remain a substantial issue, with public concern indicating these crimes considerably impact the community's overall safety perception, particularly in specific areas.
  • Violent CrimesViolent crimes are a significant worry, involving fears of being attacked or robbed. These crimes contribute to the overall apprehension surrounding safety in Indianapolis.
  • Public SafetyWhile Indianapolis locals feel relatively secure during the day, there's a notable shift in safety perception at night. Residents maintain heightened vigilance and concern over potential violent encounters.
Crime Trends and Safety
  • Rising Crime ConcernsIndianapolis faces growing perceptions of increasing crime rates. This trend is largely attributed to highlighted instances of property crime and drug activities sparking public concern.
  • Specific FearsWhile violent crime fears are prevalent, concerns about theft and drug activities are prioritized. There's also an undercurrent of anxiety related to victimization based on personal attributes, signaling a need for inclusive safety measures.
Worldwide
United States

Crime Rankings

Indianapolis ranks 14th on the Crime rankings in United States.
The crime ranking by city for the United States is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.
Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025
Full Crime Rankings

Pollution Data in Indianapolis

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Indianapolis has made strides in improving its air quality; however, pollution levels remain an area of concern. Industrial and traffic emissions significantly contribute to pollution, especially in urban zones.

The city's air quality is rated as moderate, with ongoing attention required to address particulate matter and its health implications.

  • PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter)PM2.5 levels in Indianapolis are within moderate ranges but pose potential health risks, especially to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children.
  • PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter)Levels of PM10 are slightly elevated, but still managed within acceptable limits. These levels may vary due to urban activities and seasonal changes.
Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is less of an issue in Indianapolis compared to its urban counterparts. However, waste management satisfaction varies, with localized areas expressing concerns over garbage disposal.

The city's effort towards maintaining cleanliness is acknowledged, though improvements are desired in some neighborhoods.

  • Garbage Disposal SatisfactionResidents generally express satisfaction with garbage disposal services, although some areas face challenges with waste management contributing to mixed cleanliness perceptions.
  • Noise and Light PollutionNoise and light pollution are less problematic in Indianapolis, particularly compared to larger, busier cities, reflecting positively on residents' quality of life.
Green Spaces and Water Quality

Indianapolis boasts substantial green spaces, providing a source of environmental and recreational benefits highly valued by the community.

The city's drinking water quality is good, with most residents expressing satisfaction with its accessibility and purity, adding to the overall livability.

  • Green and Parks QualityIndianapolis parks and green areas are appreciated by residents as crucial for both recreation and environmental health, enhancing city life.
  • Drinking Water QualityDrinking water quality in Indianapolis is trusted by its residents, generally free from major contamination concerns and easily accessible.
Worldwide
United States

Pollution Rankings

Indianapolis ranks 19th on the Pollution rankings in United States.
The pollution ranking for the United States is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.
Hightest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025
Full Pollution Rankings