| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Polk City/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 21 | n/a (estimate) | 320 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 15.3 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1 | n/a | 15.3 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 31 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 3 | n/a | 45.8 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 15 | n/a | 228.8 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 15.3 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 19 | n/a (estimate) | 290 | 1,297 | 1,760 |
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 Polk City is 84.9% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 2 violent crimes reported in Polk City, equivalent to 31 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 91.5%. Additionally, Polk City recorded 19 property crimes, amounting to 290 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 83.5%.
With a crime rate of 320, significantly below the national average of 2119, Polk City stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
With only 31 incidents per 100,000 people, Polk City boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Polk City has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
In the latest reported crime year, Polk City 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.
Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Polk City has a property crime rate of 290 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1760. This is a good indicator that Polk City is a safe place to live.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Polk City a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Polk City crime rate is 85% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.06 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.05 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Polk City crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Polk City has increased by 250% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 100% and property crime has increased by 280%.
Polk City has a poverty rate of 3.7, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
The median home price in Polk City is $554,516, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
In Polk City, the average rental rates are $1,612 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Polk City | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 6 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Iowa /100K | National /100K |
| Iowa | 6,040 | 205 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Granger, IA | 1,931 | 34 | 182 | 216 |
| Woodward, IA | 1,280 | 146 | 146 | 293 |
| Saylorville, IA | 2,841 | 64 | 340 | 403 |
| Slater, IA | 1,508 | 66 | 351 | 416 |
| Dallas Center, IA | 1,744 | 66 | 352 | 418 |
| Madrid, IA | 2,660 | 90 | 479 | 569 |
| Huxley, IA | 4,000 | 21 | 590 | 611 |
| Polk City, IA | 4,940 | 31 | 290 | 320 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bluefield, VA | 4,940 | 62 | 3,117 | 3,179 |
| West Milton, OH | 4,940 | 223 | 1,174 | 1,396 |
| Ahoskie, NC | 4,941 | 699 | 4,061 | 4,760 |
| West Pittston, PA | 4,943 | 177 | 1,031 | 1,208 |
| Royersford, PA | 4,937 | 142 | 407 | 550 |
| Polk City, IA | 4,940 | 31 | 290 | 320 |
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