| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Hiawatha/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 97 | n/a (estimate) | 1,342 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 13.8 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 25 | n/a | 345.8 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 26 | n/a (estimate) | 360 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 10 | n/a | 138.3 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 54 | n/a | 746.9 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7 | n/a | 96.8 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 71 | n/a (estimate) | 982 | 1,297 | 1,760 |

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 Hiawatha is 36.7% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 26 violent crimes reported in Hiawatha, equivalent to 360 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 0.1%. Additionally, Hiawatha recorded 71 property crimes, amounting to 982 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 44.2%.
Hiawatha exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 360 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 359. This uniformity underscores Hiawatha as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
In the most recently reported crime year, Hiawatha registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Is Hiawatha 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, Hiawatha has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 37%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.27 daily incidents, encompassing 0.07 violent crimes and 0.19 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Hiawatha as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Hiawatha has increased by 14.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Hiawatha, 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 didn't change by 0%, while property crime has increased by 20.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Hiawatha is a safe place to live.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Hiawatha crime rates. The population density in Hiawatha is 1656.8 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Hiawatha, the cost of living is 11.94% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Hiawatha, the average monthly rent stands at $1,146, while the national average is $1,444 per month.

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| Item | Hiawatha | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 12 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Iowa /100K | National /100K |
| Iowa | 6,040 | 205 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Urbana, IA | 1,508 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Walford, IA | 1,368 | 35 | 187 | 222 |
| Atkins, IA | 2,137 | 41 | 217 | 257 |
| Fairfax, IA | 2,871 | 43 | 227 | 270 |
| Ely, IA | 2,272 | 50 | 267 | 317 |
| Swisher, IA | 1,096 | 52 | 276 | 327 |
| Palo, IA | 1,025 | 53 | 281 | 334 |
| Hiawatha, IA | 7,665 | 360 | 982 | 1,342 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Clarkston, WA | 7,664 | 468 | 4,545 | 5,014 |
| Woodlake, VA | 7,664 | 132 | 948 | 1,079 |
| Lake Lorraine, FL | 7,670 | 87 | 462 | 549 |
| Sudden Valley, WA | 7,670 | 224 | 1,696 | 1,921 |
| Sanibel, FL | 7,660 | 87 | 462 | 549 |
| Hiawatha, IA | 7,665 | 360 | 982 | 1,342 |