F
19%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
120%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
1%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleGrinnell/100k peopleIowa/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime261n/a (estimate)2,7551,6182,324
Murder0n/a0.01.76.3
Rape4n/a42.242.540.0
Robbery3n/a31.721.666.1
Assault70n/a738.9220.7268.2
Violent crime77n/a (estimate)813287370
Burglary22n/a232.2218.6269.8
Theft153n/a1,614.9965.41,401.9
Vehicle theft9n/a95.0147.4282.7
Property crime184n/a (estimate)1,9421,3321,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Grinnell, IA

The Grinnell crime rates are 18.5% 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 77 violent crimes in Grinnell (813 per 100,000 people), which is 119.8% higher than the national average and there were a total of 184 property crimes (1942 per 100,000 residents) which is 0.6% lower than average.

Grinnell ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 813 per 100,000 people, Grinnell is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 124 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Grinnell, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

During the most recently reported crime year, Grinnell experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

Grinnell has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 1942 property crimes in Grinnell, while the national average was 1954 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.

Is Grinnell a Safe Place to Live?

Is Grinnell a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Grinnell has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 19%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.72 daily incidents, encompassing 0.21 violent crimes and 0.5 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Grinnell as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Grinnell Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Grinnell. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Grinnell has increased by 24.3%. Violent crimes have increased by 60.4%, while property crimes have increased by 13.6%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Grinnell

Grinnell has a poverty rate that stands at 11, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Grinnell crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Grinnell crime rates. For instance, in Grinnell, the population density stands at 1594.1 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Grinnell are $739, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Grinnell crime map



The Grinnell crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Grinnell as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Grinnell crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Grinnell crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Grinnell, IA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Grinnell crime rates are 19% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Grinnell are 120% higher than the national average
      • In Grinnell you have a 1 in 37 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Grinnell is safer than 9% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Grinnell has increased by 19%

      Grinnell, IA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Grinnell (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Grinnell on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of Iowa and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Grinnell (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Iowa, are 1.70 times more than the state average and 1.19 times more than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Grinnell on a daily basis are 2.84 times more than than Iowa average and 2.20 times more than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Grinnell are 1.46 times more than the daily state average and 1.01 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Grinnell (higher is better)

        Is Grinnell safe in comparison to other cities in the state of Iowa as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Grinnell to other cities in the state and across the country, Grinnell is 7% safer than other cities of Iowa and 9% safer than other cities in the nation. Grinnell has a ranks above average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Grinnell

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Grinnell is 1 in 124
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Grinnell is 1 in 52
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Grinnell is 1 in 37
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Grinnell, Iowa you have a 1 in 124 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 52 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 37 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Grinnell.

        Year Over Year Crime In Grinnell (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Grinnell, IA is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Grinnell has increased by 54%, while the property crime rate in Grinnell has increased by 9% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Grinnell has increased by 19% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Grinnell police department

        Item Grinnell Iowa National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)163,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.71.83.3
        There are a total of 16 Grinnell police officers. This results in 1.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 3.5% less than the Iowa average and 46.5% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Iowa

        State Total offenders Iowa /100K National /100K
        Iowa6,040205266
        There are a total of 6,040 sex offenders in Iowa. This yields a total of 205 sex offenders in Iowa per 100,000 residents which is 23% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Montezuma, IA1,490119556676
        Brooklyn, IA1,677122569691
        Oakland Acres, IA200138641779
        Holiday Lake, IA3302109761,186
        Sully, IA9623281,5291,858
        Haverhill, IA1703381,5751,913
        Lynnville, IA5413571,6612,017
        Grinnell, IA9,0698131,9422,755

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Heath, TX9,06984628713
        Charlotte, MI9,0694031,8962,300
        Ogden, NC9,071138705844
        Lake Elmo, MN9,07199690789
        Hillview, KY9,0661491,4911,640
        Grinnell, IA9,0698131,9422,755
        Source: The Grinnell, IA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.