Charles City, IA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Charles City, IA

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 Charles City is 38.5% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 28 violent crimes reported in Charles City, equivalent to 388 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 5%. Additionally, Charles City recorded 75 property crimes, amounting to 1040 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 46.8%.

The violent crime rate in Charles City closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 388 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 370. This consistency highlights Charles City as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Charles City reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

Is Charles City a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Charles City is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Charles City has an overall crime rate that is 39% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.28 daily occurrences, comprising 0.08 violent crimes and 0.21 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Charles City as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Charles City Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Charles City has decreased by 20.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Charles City, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 27.3%, while property crime has decreased by 29.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Charles City is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Charles City

In Charles City, the poverty rate currently stands at 20.5%, 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 Charles City crime rates.

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Charles City crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Charles City has an unemployment rate of 2.9%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

Charles City has an average rental rate of $530 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Charles City crime map