| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waterloo/100k people | Wisconsin/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 18 | n/a (estimate) | 493 | 1,433 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 27.4 | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 200.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 27 | 279 | 359 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 117.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 16 | n/a | 438.1 | 875.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 27.4 | 161.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 17 | n/a (estimate) | 465 | 1,154 | 1,760 |
The Waterloo crime rates are 76.7% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 1 violent crimes in Waterloo (27 per 100,000 people), which is 92.4% lower than the national average and there were a total of 17 property crimes (465 per 100,000 residents) which is 73.6% lower than average.
Waterloo has a crime rate of 493, which is considerably less than the national average of 2119. This results in Waterloo being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.
Waterloo stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 27 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Waterloo secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
Waterloo showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Waterloo has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 465 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1760. Based on this report, Waterloo remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.
To determine if Waterloo 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. Waterloo has a total crime rate that is 77% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.05 daily crimes (0 violent daily crimes and 0.05 daily property crimes) in Waterloo.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Waterloo. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Waterloo has decreased by 59.1%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 91.7%, while property crime has decreased by 46.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Waterloo.
Waterloo has a poverty rate of 19.5, 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.
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 Waterloo crime rates. Waterloo registers a population density of 909.3 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Waterloo, the cost of living is 2.4% lower than the national average.
| Item | Waterloo | Wisconsin | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 9 | 9,355 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Wisconsin /100K | National /100K |
| Wisconsin | 24,983 | 456 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lake Ripley, WI | 1,978 | 39 | 162 | 201 |
| Cambridge, WI | 1,307 | 65 | 269 | 334 |
| Deerfield, WI | 2,648 | 82 | 342 | 425 |
| Fall River, WI | 1,812 | 90 | 373 | 463 |
| Johnson Creek, WI | 3,143 | 98 | 408 | 506 |
| Columbus, WI | 5,266 | 74 | 461 | 535 |
| Cottage Grove, WI | 7,270 | 116 | 452 | 567 |
| Waterloo, WI | 3,450 | 27 | 465 | 493 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Story City, IA | 3,450 | 59 | 617 | 676 |
| Cleves, OH | 3,449 | 137 | 721 | 858 |
| Ossian, IN | 3,452 | 141 | 619 | 760 |
| Eastlawn Gardens, PA | 3,452 | 73 | 427 | 500 |
| La Salle, CO | 3,448 | 88 | 1,008 | 1,096 |
| Waterloo, WI | 3,450 | 27 | 465 | 493 |
Here are the best places to live in Wisconsin
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Wisconsin
Check out the 10 safest cities in Wisconsin
Most Dangerous Cities In The US