| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waverly/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 109 | n/a (estimate) | 1,027 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 18.8 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 13 | n/a | 122.5 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 15 | n/a (estimate) | 141 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 6 | n/a | 56.5 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 85 | n/a | 801.1 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 28.3 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 94 | n/a (estimate) | 886 | 1,297 | 1,760 |

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Waverly crime rate is lower than the national average by 51.5%. Specifically, there were 15 violent crimes in Waverly, equivalent to 141 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 60.6%. Furthermore, Waverly recorded 94 property crimes, amounting to 886 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 49.7%.
During the most recently reported crime year, Waverly experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Waverly 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 Waverly crime rate is 52% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.3 crimes per day - 0.04 violent crimes and 0.26 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Waverly. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Waverly has decreased by 25.9%. Violent crimes have decreased by 65.1%, while property crimes have decreased by 9.6%. 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.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Waverly, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
In Waverly, 93% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city 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.
In Waverly, the median home price stands at $317,876, 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.

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| Item | Waverly | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 16 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 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 |
| Denver, IA | 1,811 | 0 | 256 | 256 |
| Janesville, IA | 1,077 | 66 | 350 | 416 |
| Shell Rock, IA | 1,697 | 78 | 417 | 495 |
| Tripoli, IA | 1,390 | 96 | 510 | 606 |
| Clarksville, IA | 1,391 | 101 | 539 | 640 |
| Cedar Falls, IA | 42,150 | 159 | 847 | 1,006 |
| Readlyn, IA | 820 | 243 | 1,298 | 1,541 |
| Waverly, IA | 10,459 | 141 | 886 | 1,027 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Linthicum, MD | 10,458 | 371 | 1,810 | 2,180 |
| Waynesville, NC | 10,454 | 499 | 2,811 | 3,311 |
| East Stroudsburg, PA | 10,453 | 237 | 1,384 | 1,622 |
| Mount Airy, NC | 10,467 | 312 | 2,436 | 2,748 |
| Doraville, GA | 10,449 | 563 | 5,223 | 5,786 |
| Waverly, IA | 10,459 | 141 | 886 | 1,027 |