Terre Haute, IN Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Terre Haute, IN

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Terre Haute is 129.2% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 340 violent crimes reported in Terre Haute, equivalent to 581 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 57.2%. Additionally, Terre Haute recorded 2776 property crimes, amounting to 4745 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 142.8%.

Having a crime rate of 5326 per 100,000 residents, Terre Haute experiences a crime rate that is 129.15% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Terre Haute contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

With a property crime rate of 4745 crimes per 100,000 people, Terre Haute unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Terre Haute is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 22, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Terre Haute has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Terre Haute reported 415 vehicle thefts, which equates to 709 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Terre Haute is 1 in 141.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Terre Haute?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Terre Haute. Based on the results of the surveys (54 responses), 30% of people felt that there was very little crime in Terre Haute and felt safe walking alone at night. While 70% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Terre Haute a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Terre Haute is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Terre Haute has a total crime rate that is 129% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 8.54 daily crimes (0.93 violent daily crimes and 7.61 daily property crimes) in Terre Haute.

Has Crime in Terre Haute Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Terre Haute. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Terre Haute has decreased by 22.5%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 58.2%, while property crime has decreased by 13.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Terre Haute.

Potential Causes for Crime in Terre Haute

In Terre Haute, the poverty rate currently stands at 25.3%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Terre Haute crime rates.

In Terre Haute, the cost of living is 16.59% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Terre Haute, the average rental rates are $754 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Terre Haute crime map