Hammond, IN Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Hammond, IN

The Hammond crime rates are 72.9% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 512 violent crimes in Hammond (670 per 100,000 people), which is 81.3% higher than the national average and there were a total of 2556 property crimes (3347 per 100,000 residents) which is 71.3% higher than average.

With a total of 4017 crimes per 100,000 people, the Hammond crime rates stand at 72.85 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Hammond, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Hammond stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Hammond, there were a total of 15 murders, translating to 20 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Hammond?

AreaVibes surveyed 57 local residents in Hammond to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 28% of people answered that there was very little crime in Hammond and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 72% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Hammond a Safe Place to Live?

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 73% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 8.41 crimes per day - 1.4 violent crimes and 7 property crimes.

Has Crime in Hammond Increased Since Last Year?

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 14.3%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 13.2%, while property crime has increased by 22%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Hammond.

Potential Causes for Crime in Hammond

In Hammond, the current unemployment rate stands at 4.3%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Hammond crime rates.

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Hammond, 74.1% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Hammond has a median home price of $98,700, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Hammond crime map