A-
71%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
29%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
78%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleWest Liberty/100k peopleIowa/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime26n/a (estimate)6851,6182,324
Murder0n/a0.01.76.3
Rape2n/a52.742.540.0
Robbery0n/a0.021.666.1
Assault8n/a210.7220.7268.2
Violent crime10n/a (estimate)263287370
Burglary4n/a105.4218.6269.8
Theft11n/a289.8965.41,401.9
Vehicle theft1n/a26.3147.4282.7
Property crime16n/a (estimate)4211,3321,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in West Liberty, IA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the West Liberty crime rate is 70.5% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of West Liberty, there were 10 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 263 per 100,000 individuals, 28.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, West Liberty recorded 16 property crimes, amounting to 421 per 100,000 residents, 78.4% lower than the U.S. average.

West Liberty enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 685, a significant contrast to the national average of 2324. This distinction firmly establishes West Liberty as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.

West Liberty 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.

In 1991, property crime rates in the United States soared to over 5,140 crimes per 100,000 people. In the years since, the U.S. property crime rate has continued to decline with the most recent year reporting only 1954 property crimes. In West Liberty, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 421, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.

Is West Liberty a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether West Liberty is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, West Liberty has an overall crime rate that is 71% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.07 daily occurrences, comprising 0.03 violent crimes and 0.04 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of West Liberty as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in West Liberty Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in West Liberty has decreased by 21.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of West Liberty, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has didn't change by 0%, while property crime has decreased by 30.4%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not West Liberty is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in West Liberty

West Liberty has a poverty rate that stands at 3.3, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in West Liberty crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

West Liberty reports an unemployment rate of 1.5%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall West Liberty crime rates.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In West Liberty, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.13, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

West Liberty crime map



The West Liberty crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in West Liberty as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The West Liberty crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the West Liberty crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare West Liberty, IA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • West Liberty crime rates are 71% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in West Liberty are 29% lower than the national average
      • In West Liberty you have a 1 in 147 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • West Liberty is safer than 56% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in West Liberty has decreased by 22%

      West Liberty, IA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In West Liberty (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in West Liberty, per 100,000 residents. In West Liberty, the total number of daily crimes is 2.36 times less than the Iowa average and 3.39 times less than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in West Liberty are 1.09 times less than the Iowa average and 1.40 times less than the national average. For property crime, West Liberty has a daily crime rate that is 3.16 times less than the Iowa average and 4.64 times less than the daily national average.

        How Safe is West Liberty (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in West Liberty in comparison to other Iowa communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is West Liberty safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show West Liberty being safer than 69% of cities in Iowa and 56% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Iowa cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to West Liberty. In conclusion, West Liberty ranks above average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in West Liberty

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in West Liberty is 1 in 380
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in West Liberty is 1 in 238
        The chance of being a victim of crime in West Liberty is 1 in 147
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in West Liberty? If you reside in West Liberty, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 380. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 238 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in West Liberty, is 1 in 147.

        Year Over Year Crime In West Liberty (per 100,000 people)

        An ideal indicator of whether West Liberty is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in West Liberty has decreased by 1% and the rate of property crime in West Liberty has decreased by 31%. The total crime rate in West Liberty has decreased by 22% year to year.

        West Liberty police department

        Item West Liberty Iowa National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)83,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.11.83.3
        There are a total of 8 West Liberty police officers. This results in 2.1 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 18.2% greater than the Iowa average and 34.5% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Iowa

        State Total offenders Iowa /100K National /100K
        Iowa6,040205266
        There are a total of 6,040 sex offenders in Iowa. This yields a total of 205 sex offenders in Iowa per 100,000 residents which is 23% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Lone Tree, IA1,390100466566
        West Branch, IA2,357106493599
        Wilton, IA2,845116542658
        Tipton, IA3,192148692840
        Hills, IA8702841,3241,608
        Atalissa, IA3533401,5851,925
        Bennett, IA4173431,5981,941
        West Liberty, IA3,750263421685

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        St. Charles, MN3,74975550625
        Cresco, IA3,751174812986
        Kittanning, PA3,7511921,0151,207
        North Cape May, NJ3,749101702803
        Falmouth, MA3,7512428061,048
        West Liberty, IA3,750263421685
        Source: The West Liberty, IA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.