We’ve talked extensively about all the amazing neighborhoods, restaurants, parks, and activities that this city has to offer. However, no city is perfect and, unfortunately, Indy has a lot of dangerous areas you may want to avoid, especially after dark. Here are seven of what are considered to be the worst neighborhoods in Indianapolis.

1. Haughville

Haughville, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA
the.urbanophile/Flickr
On the west side, Haughville has become an area filled with drug activity, high unemployment rates, and poverty, making it one of the most dangerous places in Indiana.

2. West 29th and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St.

West 29th Street & Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Street, W 29th St & Doctor M.L.K. Jr St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA
the.urbanophile/Flickr
Unfortunately, this is yet another neighborhood affected by high instances of both violent and property crimes.

3. Tuxedo Park

Tuxedo Park, Indianapolis, IN 46201, USA
Tuxedo Park Baptist Church/Facebook
Known as the Tuxedo Park neighborhood, this area has a high crime rate when it comes to theft, burglary, and assault. Definitely stay away from this area when the sun goes down.

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4. Mass Ave. and East 34th Street

Massachusetts Avenue & East 34th Street, Massachusetts Ave & E 34th St, Indianapolis, IN 46226, USA
GoogleMaps
Ranked on the 2017 list of most dangerous neighborhoods in America, this stretch has terribly high rates of property and violent crime.

5. West 30th to Fall Creek Boulevard

Fall Creek Boulevard, Fall Creek Blvd, Indianapolis, IN, USA
El/Flickr
In 2013, it was ranked as the 20th most dangerous area in the entire nation.

6. East 34 St. and Sutherland Ave.

East 34th Street & Sutherland Avenue, E 34th St & Sutherland Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46218, USA
GoogleMaps
According to Neighborhood Scout, a website that ranks the most dangerous neighborhoods in America, this area of Indy is one of the most dangerous places in Indiana.

7. East 42nd and Post Road

42nd St & Post Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46226, USA
TheGabeC/Flickr
This area has one of the highest murder rates in the city and there are frequent gang and drug-related arrests.

Sadly, there are so many areas to avoid in Indianapolis, but here’s the good news: there are some truly lovely places to be in our town, too! So try your best to stay away from these neighborhoods and enjoy some of the great ones that are hailed as the safest and most peaceful places to live in Indianapolis instead.

And let’s not forget that Indiana really is a wonderful place to live. Show your state pride with this unique collection of apparel from Wear Your Roots!

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Areas to Avoid in Indianapolis

Sarah M. | November 26, 2022

What are the most dangerous cities in Indiana?

Sadly, Indianapolis ranks at the top of the list of most dangerous cities in Indiana. Our state capitol is home to 850,000 residents, and there are definitely some pockets of the city that are quite dangerous. About 18 people are killed per year per 100,000 residents and the violent crime rate is more than three times the national average. In addition to Indianapolis, some of the most dangerous cities in Indiana include:

  • Gary. While Indianapolis is considered the most dangerous city in the state, Gary is not that far behind. The residents of Gary claim that most people only think Chicago is dangerous. But take a 20-minute drive from Chicago to Gary, Indiana and you can see what dangerous really looks like. In recent years, this town of 77,000 has seen twice as many car robberies, burglaries, and violent crimes than the state average. When it comes to murder, the city averages about 63 per 100,000 people per year, and there are about 250 robberies per 100,000 people per year, which is more than two times the state and national average. It's considered by many to be the worst city in Indiana.
  • Clarksville. Believe it or not, your chances of being the victim of a crime are more likely in Clarksville than in any other city in the state of Indiana. Statistically, 78 out of every 1,000 residents will commit a crime this year. The reason it's not higher on the list is due to its smaller population.
  • Washington. This city does not have a very big population, but it is littered with property crimes. Even though the city sports fewer people than some of the entries on our list, your property is still in danger if you live here. Read more about Washington, Indiana, in this article.
  • South Bend. The fourth-largest city in Indiana, the crime rates across the board here are about twice the state average. Robberies are exceptionally high with 338 taking place per year per 100,000 people. Property crime rates are also high with more than 5,000 taking place per year per 100,000 people. Add it all up, and South Bend ranks at the top of the list of most dangerous places in Indiana.

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