Lake City, IA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lake City, IA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Lake City is 42.5% lower 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 Lake City, there were 4 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 232 per 100,000 individuals, 37.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 19 property crimes, amounting to 1104 per 100,000 residents, 43.5% lower than the U.S. average.

In the most recently reported crime year, Lake City 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 Lake City a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Lake City 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. Lake City has a total crime rate that is 43% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.06 daily crimes (0.01 violent daily crimes and 0.05 daily property crimes) in Lake City.

Has Crime in Lake City Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Lake City. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Lake City has decreased by 4.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 50%, while property crimes have decreased by 18.8%. 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lake City

Lake City has a population density of 363.2 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Lake City crime rates.

In Lake City, 84.2% 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.

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 Lake City, the average monthly rent stands at $617, while the national average is $949 per month.

Lake City crime map