Most respondents feel safe in their own neighborhoods during the day, as well as downtown Indianapolis during the day.

Press Release

Overall, Indianapolis residents who participated in a survey conducted by the IUPUI Department of Tourism, Conventions and Event Management gave their health, lifestyle, and city high marks.

Downtown Indianapolis received a lower mark when it came to how residents perceive how safe they are there after dark. Perceptions about nighttime safety downtown have slipped for three consecutive years.

Most respondents feel safe in their own neighborhoods during the day, as well as downtown Indianapolis during the day. However, positive perceptions in these two categories have also slipped for three consecutive years.

The annual fall survey, conducted for the fourth time since 2004, includes questions about a wide range of topics, including age, income, race, health, well-being, lifestyle, leisure activities, community and neighborhood, litter, graffiti, air pollution, empty buildings, traffic problems, public transportation, sporting facilities, cultural venues, historic venues, and shopping.

Comparing responses to certain questions this year to responses in 2006 and 2005 shows:

Compared to other people of your age, your overall health is good or extremely good
2005: 76.05%
2006: 72.5%
2007: 76.9%

You take part in physical activities 2-4 times a week or everyday
2005: 79.3%
2006: 52.3%
2007: 64.1%

In the last 12 months, your stress has negative or extremely negative effect
2005: 37.0%
2006: 31.5%
2007: 28.5%

You agree or strongly agree that you feel a sense of community with others in Indianapolis
2005: 35.7%
2006: 44.9%
2007: 43.2%

You feel safe or very safe in the neighborhood during daytime*
2005: 91.8%
2006: 88.5%
2007: 84.5%

You feel safe or very safe in downtown during daytime*
2005: 83.1%
2005: 78.1%
2007: 75.1%

You feel safe or very safe in the neighborhood after dark*
2005: 71.8%
2006: 68.4%
2007: 62.5%

You feel safe or very safe in downtown after dark*
2005: 43.9%
2006: 38.3%
2007: 33.8%

You feel a sense of pride in the way Indianapolis looks and feels in regards to safety. (agree or strongly agree)
2005: 45.4%
2006: 41.8%
2007: 42.4%

You feel a sense of pride in the way Indianapolis looks and feels in regards to no crimes or no theft. (agree or strongly agree)*
2005: 23.8%
2006: 20.1%
2007: 18.5%

Note: items with ‘*’ show a continuous decline of people’s positive perceptions.

Most respondents said Indianapolis, as a whole, was a clean city that has friendly people, many attractions, cultural and historical venues, and quality hotels and restaurants.

The department has been conducting an annual survey to collect the opinions of Indianapolis residents about the impacts of cultural tourism on their quality of life. The city announced in 2001 that it would pursue a cultural tourism initiative. The goal of the initiative was to enhance the quality of life and attract visitors and businesses by bolstering the city’s regional, national and international cultural profile.

Survey findings are useful in terms of identifying perception issues Indianapolis needs to address.

Source: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis