F
11%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
138%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
13%
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 peopleIndianola/100k peopleIowa/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime409n/a (estimate)2,5861,6182,324
Murder0n/a0.01.76.3
Rape25n/a158.142.540.0
Robbery0n/a0.021.666.1
Assault114n/a720.7220.7268.2
Violent crime139n/a (estimate)879287370
Burglary18n/a113.8218.6269.8
Theft239n/a1,511.0965.41,401.9
Vehicle theft13n/a82.2147.4282.7
Property crime270n/a (estimate)1,7071,3321,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Indianola, IA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Indianola crime rate is 11.3% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Indianola, there were 139 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 879 per 100,000 individuals, 137.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, Indianola recorded 270 property crimes, amounting to 1707 per 100,000 residents, 12.7% lower than the U.S. average.

The Indianola crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Indianola, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.

Indianola 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 879 per 100,000 people, Indianola is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 114 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Indianola, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Indianola 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.

Indianola exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1707 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1954 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Indianola maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Indianola?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Indianola residents. Out of the respondents (6 in total), 50% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Indianola were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 50% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Indianola a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Indianola is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Indianola has a total crime rate that is 11% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.12 daily crimes (0.38 violent daily crimes and 0.74 daily property crimes) in Indianola.

Has Crime in Indianola Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Indianola has increased by 16.9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Indianola, 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 85.3%, while property crime has increased by 1.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Indianola is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Indianola

Indianola has a poverty rate that stands at 10, 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 Indianola 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.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Indianola, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.4, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

Indianola has an average rental rate of $810 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.

Indianola crime map



The Indianola crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Indianola 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 Indianola crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Indianola 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 Indianola, IA Crime

      vs

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Indianola crime rates are 11% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Indianola are 138% higher than the national average
      • In Indianola you have a 1 in 39 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Indianola is safer than 9% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Indianola has increased by 20%

      Indianola, IA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Indianola

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        Daily Crime In Indianola (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Indianola 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 Indianola (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Iowa, are 1.60 times more than the state average and 1.11 times more than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Indianola on a daily basis are 3.07 times more than than Iowa average and 2.38 times more than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Indianola are 1.28 times more than the daily state average and 1.14 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Indianola (higher is better)

        How safe is Indianola, Iowa compared to other cities in Iowa and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Indianola is safer than 6% of the cities in Iowa and 9% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in Iowa and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Indianola. Overall, Indianola is ranked above average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Indianola

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Indianola is 1 in 114
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Indianola is 1 in 59
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Indianola is 1 in 39
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Indianola? In Indianola, IA you have a 1 in 114 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 59 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 39 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Indianola.

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

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Indianola is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Indianola has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have increased by 90% in Indianola, while property crimes in Indianola have increased by 1%. Total crime has increased by 20% year over year.

        Indianola police department

        Item Indianola Iowa National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)213,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.41.83.3
        There are a total of 21 Indianola police officers. This results in 1.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 22.2% less than the Iowa average and 56.9% 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
        Norwalk, IA11,46756210266
        St. Marys, IA182116538654
        Cumming, IA536116538654
        Ackworth, IA2122251,0471,272
        Carlisle, IA4,1813311,0651,396
        St. Charles, IA7872961,3771,673
        Runnells, IA4852981,3901,688
        Indianola, IA15,9218791,7072,586

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Hibbing, MN15,92331770801
        Cloverly, MD15,9152178921,109
        Washougal, WA15,9272781,7992,077
        Easthampton Town, MA15,930157647804
        Sayville, NY15,9102551,0231,278
        Indianola, IA15,9218791,7072,586
        Source: The Indianola, 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.