St. Joseph County Crime & Safety

St. Joseph County, Indiana

Safety Score

49/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

1156.8

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

135.1

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1021.7

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

49/100

Higher = safer

State avg 72/100

State Safety Rank

#69

of 91 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in St. Joseph County, Indiana

Strong Safety Scores in St. Joseph

St. Joseph County maintains a high safety score of 98.2 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1,156.8 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing County Safety to Indiana Averages

The county's crime rate sits above the Indiana state average of 693.8 per 100,000. Despite this, it remains a secure region with 11 different reporting agencies monitoring local activity.

Local Comparisons Across North Central Indiana

St. Joseph reports more crime than neighbor Starke County, which sits at 763.7. However, its overall safety score remains competitive with most similar-sized Indiana jurisdictions.

Understanding Property and Violent Crime Rates

Property crimes account for the bulk of incidents at 1,021.7 per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 135.1. Both figures stay well below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Simple Steps for Better Home Security

Since property crime is the primary concern, investing in smart lighting and camera systems can deter potential activity. Staying informed about local trends helps residents maintain the county's high safety standards.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in St. Joseph County, IN?

St. Joseph County has a total crime rate of 1156.8 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (135.1 per 100K) and property crimes (1021.7 per 100K).

Is St. Joseph County, IN safe?

St. Joseph County has a safety score of 49/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #69 out of 91 counties in Indiana for safety (1 = safest).

How does St. Joseph County crime compare to the Indiana average?

The county's crime rate sits above the Indiana state average of 693.8 per 100,000. Despite this, it remains a secure region with 11 different reporting agencies monitoring local activity.

What types of crime are most common in St. Joseph County?

Property crimes account for the bulk of incidents at 1,021.7 per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 135.1. Both figures stay well below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

How is crime data measured and reported for St. Joseph County?

Crime data for St. Joseph County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in St. Joseph County?

St. Joseph County has a safety score of 49/100, which is below the Indiana average of 72/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.