| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Hammond/100k people | Indiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,886 | n/a (estimate) | 3,814 | 1,692 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 11 | n/a | 14.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 32 | n/a | 42.3 | 33.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 69 | n/a | 91.2 | 34.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 449 | n/a | 593.3 | 239.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 561 | n/a (estimate) | 741 | 313 | 359 |
| Burglary | 175 | n/a | 231.2 | 176.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,863 | n/a | 2,461.8 | 988.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 287 | n/a | 379.2 | 213.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,325 | n/a (estimate) | 3,072 | 1,379 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Hammond is 80% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Hammond, there were 561 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 741 per 100,000 individuals, 106.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 2325 property crimes, amounting to 3072 per 100,000 residents, 74.6% higher than the U.S. average.
Hammond ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 741 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Hammond stand at 1 in every 135 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Hammond stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Hammond, a total of 11 murders were reported, equating to 15 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
What do the local residents think about crime in Hammond? Well, based on a recent survey of 59 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 31% of Hammond residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 69% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Hammond a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Hammond crime rate is 80% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 7.91 crimes per day - 1.54 violent crimes and 6.37 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Hammond. 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 Hammond has increased by 7.5%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 4.9%, while property crime has increased by 11%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Hammond.
In Hammond, 74.1% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Hammond, the cost of living is 5.71% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Hammond, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 3.07, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Hammond | Indiana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 249 | 8,766 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.1 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Indiana /100K | National /100K |
| Indiana | 12,315 | 198 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| St. John, IN | 18,872 | 24 | 129 | 153 |
| Cedar Lake, IN | 13,302 | 66 | 263 | 328 |
| Dyer, IN | 16,417 | 12 | 344 | 356 |
| Oak Forest, IL | 28,144 | 89 | 438 | 527 |
| Winfield, IN | 6,057 | 102 | 448 | 550 |
| Crown Point, IN | 31,396 | 77 | 531 | 608 |
| Lakes of the Four Seasons, IN | 7,233 | 115 | 505 | 620 |
| Hammond, IN | 78,518 | 741 | 3,072 | 3,814 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Kalamazoo, MI | 78,286 | 1,284 | 3,448 | 4,731 |
| Baldwin Park, CA | 78,285 | 404 | 1,429 | 1,834 |
| Wyoming, MI | 78,208 | 471 | 2,145 | 2,616 |
| Bellflower, CA | 78,041 | 613 | 2,170 | 2,783 |
| Layton, UT | 79,018 | 130 | 1,346 | 1,476 |
| Hammond, IN | 78,518 | 741 | 3,072 | 3,814 |
Here are the best places to live in Indiana
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Indiana
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Indiana
See the best places to live in Hammond