Independence, IA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Independence, 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 Independence is 44.8% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 9 violent crimes reported in Independence, equivalent to 144 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 61%. Additionally, Independence recorded 71 property crimes, amounting to 1139 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 41.7%.

During the most recently reported crime year, Independence 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.

Is Independence a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Independence, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Independence presents a total crime rate that is 45% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Independence experiences an average of 0.22 daily crimes, comprising 0.02 violent incidents and 0.19 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Independence Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Independence has increased by 14.3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Independence, 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 decreased by 50%, while property crime has increased by 36.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Independence is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Independence

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Independence crime rates. In Independence, the poverty rate stands at 8.2%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Independence crime rates. Independence registers a population density of 1012.1 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Independence, 86% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

Independence crime map