Safest cities in Iowa

Known as the 'Hawkeye State,' Iowa is renowned for its rolling plains, fertile farmlands, and welcoming communities. Located in the Midwestern United States, Iowa is a major agricultural producer, known for its corn, soybeans, and pork production. The state's economy also includes manufacturing, biotechnology, and renewable energy. Des Moines, the state capital, is a bustling city with a strong financial sector and a vibrant cultural scene, featuring museums, theaters, and festivals. Iowa's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its numerous historical sites, including the Amana Colonies and the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site.

Low crime rates are essential for enhancing the livability of communities in Iowa, making the safest cities highly desirable places to live. Safety provides a foundation for economic stability and community well-being, allowing residents to feel secure in their daily lives. Factors that contribute to the safety of Iowa's cities include community policing, neighborhood watch programs, and active citizen participation. The safest cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, offering a reliable measure of security. This emphasis on safety ensures that residents can enjoy the many amenities and natural attractions Iowa has to offer without the overshadowing concern of crime.

Norwalk Population: 11,467 266 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 56 Property Crime / 100k: 210 chance of being a victim: 1 in 376

Norwalk proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Iowa. With only 266 crimes per 100,000 people, Norwalk has a crime rate that is 86% lower than the Iowa average. This equates to an average of 0.10 crimes per day and a 1 in 376 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Asbury Population: 5,931 283 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 17 Property Crime / 100k: 266 chance of being a victim: 1 in 353

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Asbury comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Iowa with a crime rate of 283 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 117 counts of burglary, 150 counts of theft, 0 counts of vehicle theft, 17 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 0 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Asbury, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Decorah Population: 7,615 283 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 155 Property Crime / 100k: 129 chance of being a victim: 1 in 353

With a population of 7,615 and a total crime rate of 283 per 100,000 residents, Decorah is the 3rd safest city in Iowa. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 92% lower than the Iowa average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Sioux Center Population: 7,592 300 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 48 Property Crime / 100k: 252 chance of being a victim: 1 in 334

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Sioux Center is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 300, 92% lower than the Iowa average. This amounts to 0.07 crimes per day and a 1 in 334 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Sioux Center a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

North Liberty Population: 19,159 473 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 114 Property Crime / 100k: 360 chance of being a victim: 1 in 211

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, North Liberty consistently ranks high in safety. In North Liberty, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 473, which is 79% lower than the state average.

Algona Population: 5,415 552 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 342 Property Crime / 100k: 209 chance of being a victim: 1 in 181

Algona has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Iowa. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 552 crimes per 100,000 people, 95% lower than the Iowa average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 19 reports of burglary, 171 reports of theft, 19 reports of vehicle theft, 342 reports of assault, 0 reports of robbery, 0 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Johnston Population: 22,077 720 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 70 Property Crime / 100k: 650 chance of being a victim: 1 in 139

Johnston ranks as the seventh safest city in Iowa and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 139 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.48 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Johnston’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Iowa.

Urbandale Population: 43,879 797 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 106 Property Crime / 100k: 691 chance of being a victim: 1 in 125

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Urbandale is the 8th safest city in Iowa. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 54% lower than the Iowa average, reporting a total of 797 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Eldridge Population: 6,678 827 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 44 Property Crime / 100k: 783 chance of being a victim: 1 in 121

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Eldridge is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Iowa, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 827 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 93% lower than the state average.

Estherville Population: 5,729 838 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 222 Property Crime / 100k: 616 chance of being a victim: 1 in 119

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Iowa, is Estherville. With a low rate of crime that included 51 burglaries, 530 thefts, 34 vehicle thefts, 188 assaults, 0 robberies, 34 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 94% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Iowa

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Norwalk	11,467	56	210	266
2	Asbury	5,931	17	266	283
3	Decorah	7,615	155	129	283
4	Sioux Center	7,592	48	252	300
5	North Liberty	19,159	114	360	473
6	Algona	5,415	342	209	552
7	Johnston	22,077	70	650	720
8	Urbandale	43,879	106	691	797
9	Eldridge	6,678	44	783	827
10	Estherville	5,729	222	616	838
11	Pella	10,279	140	708	848
12	Waukee	22,598	139	722	861
13	Sheldon	5,178	316	799	1,114
14	Spencer	11,038	122	997	1,119
15	Oelwein	5,896	397	726	1,123
16	Le Mars	10,012	275	880	1,155
17	Perry	7,660	451	714	1,165
18	Denison	8,319	335	833	1,168
19	Webster City	7,699	247	923	1,171
20	Glenwood	5,325	346	885	1,232
21	Ankeny	64,744	196	1,076	1,272
22	Independence	6,085	144	1,139	1,283
23	Clive	17,246	269	1,069	1,338
24	Clarinda	5,371	364	1,000	1,364
25	Altoona	18,917	183	1,237	1,420
26	Charles City	7,351	388	1,040	1,428
27	Bettendorf	36,214	78	1,378	1,456
28	Marion	39,910	244	1,225	1,469
29	Ames	66,361	218	1,282	1,500
30	Carroll	9,823	108	1,422	1,530
31	Creston	7,754	350	1,183	1,533
32	Oskaloosa	11,727	436	1,176	1,612
33	Fairfield	10,327	280	1,390	1,670
34	Storm Lake	10,508	355	1,322	1,676
35	Mount Pleasant	8,574	424	1,284	1,708
36	Waverly	10,172	661	1,072	1,733
37	Newton	15,160	443	1,349	1,793
38	Osceola	5,160	442	1,397	1,839
39	Red Oak	5,323	359	1,545	1,904
40	Manchester	5,011	292	1,617	1,909
41	West Des Moines	66,724	249	1,719	1,967
42	Muscatine	23,661	353	1,627	1,980
43	Iowa City	75,849	264	1,775	2,039
44	Spirit Lake	5,130	275	1,872	2,148
45	Atlantic	6,600	461	1,769	2,230
46	Maquoketa	5,990	331	1,922	2,254
47	Dubuque	58,052	472	1,793	2,265
48	Knoxville	7,154	502	1,778	2,281
49	Washington	7,318	416	1,887	2,303
50	Centerville	5,433	283	2,093	2,376

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Iowa is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Iowa cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

Well Below nat. avg.
Below nat. avg.
Similar to nat. avg.
Above nat. avg.
Well above nat. avg.

The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.