Fort Wayne’s neighborhoods conjure up too many stereotypes to count. You’ve got hipster areas, preppy places, neighborhoods where college kids thrive, and of course, ghettos.
It seems as if there’s a neighborhood for everyone in Fort Wayne.
And while the city consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Indiana thanks in part to tons of entertainment and jobs, it’s not all rainbows and sunshine in Fort Wayne. Some neighborhoods aren’t as safe as others.
So the question arises, which Fort Wayne neighborhoods are the most dangerous and which are the safest?
Today, we’ll use Saturday Night Science to determine which Fort Wayne hoods need a little tender loving care – the sore thumbs of the Fort Wayne area if you will. Realistically, you can’t expect all the neighborhoods to be amazing, although Pine Valley ranks way above the rest.
We examined 173 of Fort Wayne’s neighborhoods to find out the most dangerous places to live. These places don’t quite measure up to Fort Wayne’s reputation.
Table Of Contents: Top 10 | Methodology | Summary | Table
So what’s the worst neighborhood to live in Fort Wayne for 2025? According to the most recent census data, Highland Park Forest looks to be the worst neighborhood in Fort Wayne.
Read on to see how we determined the places around Fort Wayne that need a pick-me-up. And remember, don’t blame the messenger.
For more Indiana reading, check out:
The 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Fort Wayne For 2025
/10
Population: 87
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 391
Property Crime Per 100k: 3,389
Median Home Value: $54,400 (11th worst)
Median Income: $29,762 (19th worst)
More on Highland Park Forest: Data
/10
Population: 1,004
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 434
Property Crime Per 100k: 3,764
Median Home Value: $35,800 (3rd worst)
Median Income: $15,640 (worst)
More on East Side: Data
/10
Population: 272
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 385
Property Crime Per 100k: 3,333
Median Home Value: $77,000 (32nd worst)
Median Income: $22,396 (5th worst)
More on Ferndale: Data
/10
Population: 413
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 411
Property Crime Per 100k: 3,563
Median Home Value: $58,150 (15th worst)
Median Income: $25,204 (6th worst)
More on Poplar: Data
/10
Population: 860
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 428
Property Crime Per 100k: 3,711
Median Home Value: $40,700 (4th worst)
Median Income: $31,802 (23rd worst)
More on Greater Mcmillen Park: Data
/10
Population: 341
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 411
Property Crime Per 100k: 3,560
Median Home Value: $29,300 (worst)
Median Income: $29,805 (20th worst)
More on Harvester: Data
/10
Population: 93
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 351
Property Crime Per 100k: 3,038
Median Home Value: $88,300 (56th worst)
Median Income: $28,443 (14th worst)
More on Oakland Park: Data
/10
Population: 656
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 401
Property Crime Per 100k: 3,478
Median Home Value: $50,867 (8th worst)
Median Income: $36,843 (3worst)
More on Michigan Avenue: Data
/10
Population: 838
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 380
Property Crime Per 100k: 3,291
Median Home Value: $85,833 (47th worst)
Median Income: $25,572 (9th worst)
More on Memorial Park: Data
/10
Population: 971
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 423
Property Crime Per 100k: 3,663
Median Home Value: $45,750 (6th worst)
Median Income: $37,058 (32nd worst)
More on Pontiac Place: Data
Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous Fort Wayne neighborhoods in 2025
To figure out how bad a place is to live in, we only needed to know what kinds of things people like and then decide what places have the least amount of those things. We plugged the following criteria into Saturday Night Science to get the worst neighborhoods in Fort Wayne:
- High crime (Estimated)
- High unemployment (Less jobs)
- Low median income (Less pay)
- Low population density (No things to do)
- Low home values (No one’s willing to pay to live here)
Then, we ranked each neighborhood in Fort Wayne, Indiana for each of these criteria from worst to best.
Next, we averaged the individual rankings for each criterion into a “Worst Score.”
The neighborhood with the lowest “Worst Score” ranks as the most dangerous neighborhood of Fort Wayne.
The article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. We updated this article for 2025. This report is our time ranking the worst neighborhoods to live in Fort Wayne.
Skip to the end to see the list of all 173 neighborhoods ranked from worst to best.
Summary: The Worst Neighborhoods Around Fort Wayne
Well, there you have it — the worst of the neighborhoods in Fort Wayne with Highland Park Forest landing at the bottom of the pack.
The worst neighborhoods in Fort Wayne are Highland Park Forest, East Side, Ferndale, Poplar, Greater McMillen Park, Harvester, Oakland Park, Michigan Avenue, Memorial Park, and Pontiac Place.
As mentioned earlier, the neighborhoods in Fort Wayne aren’t all bad. Pine Valley takes the cake as the best place to live in Fort Wayne.
The best neighborhoods in Fort Wayne are Pine Valley, Shorewood, Tamarak, Lincoln Village, and Sunny Meadows.
We ranked the neighborhoods from worst to best in the chart below.
For more Indiana reading, check out:
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods To Live In Fort Wayne For 2025?
| Rank | Neighborhood | Population | Home Value | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Highland Park Forest | 87 | $54,400 | $29,762 |
| 2 | East Side | 1,004 | $35,800 | $15,640 |
| 3 | Ferndale | 272 | $77,000 | $22,396 |
| 4 | Poplar | 413 | $58,150 | $25,204 |
| 5 | Greater Mcmillen Park | 860 | $40,700 | $31,802 |
| 6 | Harvester | 341 | $29,300 | $29,805 |
| 7 | Oakland Park | 93 | $88,300 | $28,443 |
| 8 | Michigan Avenue | 656 | $50,867 | $36,843 |
| 9 | Memorial Park | 838 | $85,833 | $25,572 |
| 10 | Pontiac Place | 971 | $45,750 | $37,058 |
| 11 | Hickory Grove | 244 | $87,950 | $29,558 |
| 12 | Vesey | 430 | $72,550 | $38,894 |
| 13 | Pettit-Rudisill | 4,255 | $40,920 | $27,753 |
| 14 | Hanna-Creighton | 1,849 | $78,300 | $20,490 |
| 15 | Belle Vista | 166 | $79,400 | $46,186 |
| 16 | Continental Park | 169 | $87,600 | $30,673 |
| 17 | Creighton Home | 1,124 | $62,500 | $29,083 |
| 18 | Kingston Park | 123 | $111,500 | $34,233 |
| 19 | Casselwood Terrace | 204 | $87,600 | $30,673 |
| 20 | Westfield | 834 | $72,550 | $38,894 |
| 21 | Oxford | 4,931 | $46,300 | $29,582 |
| 22 | Nebraska | 1,630 | $64,600 | $37,130 |
| 23 | Morningside Terrace | 307 | $69,800 | $48,764 |
| 24 | Williams Park | 699 | $52,700 | $28,375 |
| 25 | South Suburan | 2,710 | $57,600 | $27,003 |
| 26 | Rudisill-Plaza | 351 | $54,900 | $37,115 |
| 27 | Anthony Wayne | 1,260 | $68,933 | $38,467 |
| 28 | Elmhurst | 224 | $83,800 | $51,365 |
| 29 | South Calhoun Place | 231 | $72,900 | $54,046 |
| 30 | East Central | 2,181 | $81,350 | $31,936 |
| 31 | Hazelwood | 82 | $110,900 | $49,583 |
| 32 | Rolling Rose | 433 | $35,500 | $22,250 |
| 33 | Taylor Street | 432 | $99,500 | $43,182 |
| 34 | Broad River | 1,472 | $52,700 | $40,966 |
| 35 | North Sherwood Terrace And Silver Maples | 219 | $88,600 | $56,857 |
| 36 | Victoria Park | 565 | $88,300 | $28,443 |
| 37 | Hillcrest | 637 | $69,800 | $48,764 |
| 38 | Maysville Heights | 271 | $86,600 | $18,967 |
| 39 | Bridlewood | 246 | $97,600 | $47,250 |
| 40 | Reckeweg Road | 273 | $100,000 | $47,727 |
| 41 | Eldrado Hills | 261 | $97,600 | $47,250 |
| 42 | Brookview | 1,027 | $61,925 | $37,778 |
| 43 | Lafayette Place | 749 | $72,900 | $54,046 |
| 44 | Hoagland Masterson | 987 | $92,600 | $35,769 |
| 45 | Greenview | 366 | $97,600 | $47,250 |
| 46 | Southeast Waynedale | 465 | $89,200 | $44,368 |
| 47 | Sand Point | 686 | $83,800 | $51,365 |
| 48 | Williams-Woodland Park | 731 | $106,700 | $35,768 |
| 49 | Summerfield | 453 | $88,600 | $56,857 |
| 50 | Hamilton | 2,928 | $66,950 | $40,261 |
| 51 | New Kirkwood Park | 259 | $110,900 | $49,583 |
| 52 | South Wayne | 1,205 | $80,333 | $47,478 |
| 53 | Fairfield | 1,900 | $85,550 | $45,199 |
| 54 | Bloomingdale | 3,541 | $58,050 | $37,472 |
| 55 | Westmoor Park | 248 | $116,800 | $45,404 |
| 56 | Avalon Place | 874 | $89,200 | $44,368 |
| 57 | Oakdale | 1,764 | $77,250 | $47,940 |
| 58 | Interurban Acres | 507 | $162,200 | $38,538 |
| 59 | Lofton Woods | 293 | $131,700 | $25,435 |
| 60 | Southwest Waynedale | 759 | $65,700 | $36,536 |
| 61 | Monarch Park | 347 | $131,700 | $25,435 |
| 62 | Crestwood Colony | 1,185 | $88,600 | $56,857 |
| 63 | Old Trail | 746 | $74,400 | $37,143 |
| 64 | Spy Run | 1,306 | $71,250 | $40,860 |
| 65 | Southwick Village | 1,141 | $87,300 | $55,192 |
| 66 | Lakewood Park | 290 | $127,600 | $42,142 |
| 67 | Larez | 1,390 | $63,750 | $28,514 |
| 68 | Crown Colony | 1,395 | $87,300 | $55,192 |
| 69 | Five Points | 1,033 | $79,233 | $55,260 |
| 70 | Imperial Gardens | 104 | $127,600 | $55,774 |
| 71 | North Anthony Area | 2,043 | $106,250 | $51,250 |
| 72 | Forest Park Boulevard | 531 | $118,650 | $48,037 |
| 73 | Saint Marys River | 394 | $113,700 | $56,985 |
| 74 | Blackhawk Forest | 404 | $127,700 | $50,804 |
| 75 | Kyle Road | 995 | $88,200 | $56,544 |
| 76 | Glenwood Park | 2,191 | $111,500 | $62,299 |
| 77 | Brookside-Parkerdale | 983 | $109,450 | $55,375 |
| 78 | Village Woods | 1,512 | $72,300 | $46,455 |
| 79 | Northside | 7,017 | $96,729 | $48,812 |
| 80 | Blackhawk Farms | 586 | $127,700 | $50,804 |
| 81 | North Franke Park | 429 | $101,700 | $57,019 |
| 82 | Somerset Acres | 117 | $116,400 | $62,917 |
| 83 | Lincoln Park | 756 | $80,000 | $59,276 |
| 84 | Bellair | 324 | $99,500 | $49,297 |
| 85 | Bohde Grove | 198 | $116,400 | $62,917 |
| 86 | Sawmill Woods | 308 | $101,250 | $41,262 |
| 87 | Westwood-Fairway | 1,154 | $121,050 | $49,540 |
| 88 | Irvington Park | 180 | $83,700 | $61,912 |
| 89 | Greentree | 238 | $116,400 | $62,917 |
| 90 | North Highlands | 1,630 | $85,050 | $52,750 |
| 91 | Blackhawk | 1,341 | $127,700 | $50,804 |
| 92 | Frances Slocum | 2,306 | $102,680 | $58,600 |
| 93 | West Central | 3,781 | $126,320 | $38,260 |
| 94 | Tanbark Trails | 323 | $117,000 | $67,234 |
| 95 | Audubon Park | 92 | $150,100 | $89,024 |
| 96 | Fairmont | 831 | $95,000 | $70,582 |
| 97 | Springwood-Orchard Woods | 433 | $95,300 | $51,224 |
| 98 | Valley Park Forest | 384 | $147,500 | $40,667 |
| 99 | Maplewood Gardens | 135 | $116,300 | $68,786 |
| 100 | Ranchwood | 756 | $136,800 | $31,960 |
| 101 | Willshire Estates | 143 | $116,300 | $68,786 |
| 102 | Concord Hills | 390 | $117,000 | $67,234 |
| 103 | Harrison Hill | 455 | $81,600 | $69,578 |
| 104 | Cambridge Oaks | 185 | $122,500 | $55,865 |
| 105 | Lakeshores | 530 | $149,050 | $51,044 |
| 106 | North Triangle | 452 | $83,700 | $61,912 |
| 107 | Camelot | 156 | $116,300 | $68,786 |
| 108 | Maplewood Terrace And Downs | 682 | $127,600 | $55,774 |
| 109 | Georgetown Place | 549 | $147,500 | $40,667 |
| 110 | Southwood Park | 1,856 | $108,400 | $65,471 |
| 111 | Countrybrook | 181 | $150,100 | $89,024 |
| 112 | Falls Of Beaver Creek | 127 | $123,900 | $59,274 |
| 113 | Parkview | 1,055 | $101,250 | $41,262 |
| 114 | Wildwood Park | 882 | $224,900 | $33,893 |
| 115 | The Hollows | 107 | $118,300 | $71,000 |
| 116 | Greenfield | 177 | $121,300 | $63,500 |
| 117 | Bellshire | 191 | $150,100 | $89,024 |
| 118 | Countryside | 194 | $150,100 | $89,024 |
| 119 | Bass-Leesburg | 1,513 | $136,900 | $63,595 |
| 120 | Brandonwood | 207 | $121,300 | $63,500 |
| 121 | Abby Place | 153 | $123,900 | $59,274 |
| 122 | Old Brook Farm | 251 | $121,300 | $63,500 |
| 123 | Park State East | 254 | $150,100 | $89,024 |
| 124 | Brookside Park | 274 | $121,300 | $63,500 |
| 125 | Hearthstone | 153 | $148,600 | $67,254 |
| 126 | Oakhurst | 299 | $116,300 | $68,786 |
| 127 | Log Cabin Park | 275 | $141,300 | $70,063 |
| 128 | Lakes Of Buckingham | 221 | $118,300 | $71,000 |
| 129 | Summit Ridge | 233 | $118,300 | $71,000 |
| 130 | Bullerman Park Forest | 408 | $116,300 | $68,786 |
| 131 | Aldale Acres | 173 | $147,800 | $65,300 |
| 132 | Lake Forest | 720 | $146,200 | $50,880 |
| 133 | Eldorado Hills | 127 | $148,400 | $62,708 |
| 134 | Maplewood Park | 887 | $122,500 | $55,865 |
| 135 | Centerhurst | 500 | $121,300 | $63,500 |
| 136 | New Glenwood | 1,064 | $118,300 | $76,987 |
| 137 | Walden | 1,072 | $118,300 | $76,987 |
| 138 | Kern Valley Meadows | 263 | $153,100 | $63,960 |
| 139 | Burnham Woods | 70 | $150,700 | $81,250 |
| 140 | Statewood Park | 394 | $118,300 | $71,000 |
| 141 | Shores Of Oakborough | 207 | $166,500 | $88,207 |
| 142 | Inverness Hills | 84 | $326,100 | $79,821 |
| 143 | Millstone | 352 | $148,600 | $67,254 |
| 144 | Village Of Buckingham | 434 | $118,300 | $71,000 |
| 145 | Kirkwood Park | 278 | $121,500 | $67,852 |
| 146 | Kensington Downs | 441 | $153,100 | $63,960 |
| 147 | Liberty Hill | 184 | $160,850 | $83,334 |
| 148 | Winterfield | 273 | $166,500 | $88,207 |
| 149 | Auburn Farms | 106 | $154,800 | $68,990 |
| 150 | Liberty Hills West | 106 | $171,000 | $85,417 |
| 151 | Becketts Run | 121 | $154,800 | $68,990 |
| 152 | Saratoga Park | 909 | $171,000 | $107,127 |
| 153 | Westlawn | 736 | $123,900 | $59,274 |
| 154 | Waterswolde | 225 | $148,400 | $62,708 |
| 155 | Winterset | 250 | $170,500 | $59,947 |
| 156 | Inverness Lakes | 401 | $292,150 | $85,473 |
| 157 | Aboite Meadows | 486 | $166,500 | $90,909 |
| 158 | Wyndemere | 239 | $185,300 | $52,109 |
| 159 | Oakborough | 474 | $166,500 | $88,207 |
| 160 | Plantation Of Aboite | 140 | $171,000 | $85,398 |
| 161 | Manor Park | 264 | $154,800 | $68,990 |
| 162 | Centaur Acres | 202 | $258,200 | $91,125 |
| 163 | Copper Hill | 523 | $166,500 | $88,207 |
| 164 | Wallen Chase | 274 | $154,800 | $68,990 |
| 165 | Northwood Park | 188 | $159,900 | $69,380 |
| 166 | Kekionga Shores | 249 | $171,000 | $85,417 |
| 167 | Timber Lake-Covington Woods | 518 | $258,200 | $89,982 |
| 168 | Wheatridge | 291 | $159,900 | $69,380 |
| 169 | Sunny Meadows | 288 | $185,300 | $64,148 |
| 170 | Lincoln Village | 1,196 | $157,350 | $69,185 |
| 171 | Tamarak | 398 | $185,300 | $64,148 |
| 172 | Shorewood | 686 | $212,000 | $96,516 |
| 173 | Pine Valley | 2,038 | $191,000 | $90,801 |