| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Iowa/100k people | Louisiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 100 | n/a (estimate) | 3,323 | 2,816 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 10.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 33.2 | 33.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 42 | n/a | 1,395.8 | 436.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 43 | n/a (estimate) | 1,429 | 520 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 132.9 | 405.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 47 | n/a | 1,562.0 | 1,636.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 199.4 | 254.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 57 | n/a (estimate) | 1,894 | 2,296 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Iowa is 56.8% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Iowa, there were 43 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1429 per 100,000 individuals, 298% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 57 property crimes, amounting to 1894 per 100,000 residents, 7.6% higher than the U.S. average.
With a violent crime rate of 1429 crimes per 100,000 residents, Iowa is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Iowa ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 70 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
In the latest reported crime year, Iowa recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
Iowa exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1894 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 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 Iowa maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Iowa, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Iowa presents a total crime rate that is 57% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Iowa experiences an average of 0.27 daily crimes, comprising 0.12 violent incidents and 0.16 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Iowa. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Iowa has decreased by 19.4%. Violent crimes have decreased by 17.3%, while property crimes have decreased by 20.8%. 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.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Iowa currently has an unemployment rate of 2.5%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
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 Iowa crime rates. For instance, in Iowa, the population density stands at 1024.5 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Iowa, the median home price stands at $326,534, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Iowa | Louisiana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 14 | 7,311 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.6 | 4.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Louisiana /100K | National /100K |
| Louisiana | 12,948 | 286 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Welsh, LA | 3,307 | 264 | 1,166 | 1,430 |
| Moss Bluff, LA | 10,582 | 314 | 1,388 | 1,703 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 79,542 | 613 | 2,470 | 3,083 |
| Fenton, LA | 270 | 766 | 3,382 | 4,148 |
| Iowa, LA | 3,282 | 1,429 | 1,894 | 3,323 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Yerington, NV | 3,282 | 232 | 1,267 | 1,499 |
| Centerville, PA | 3,282 | 0 | 182 | 182 |
| Peaceful Valley, WA | 3,283 | 226 | 1,707 | 1,932 |
| Monument Beach, MA | 3,281 | 127 | 449 | 577 |
| Hogansville, GA | 3,283 | 217 | 992 | 1,209 |
| Iowa, LA | 3,282 | 1,429 | 1,894 | 3,323 |
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