Iowa's 25 Most Dangerous Cities in Arson Crime - Updated 2023

Unmasking Iowa's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in arson crime

Author: CrimeData.io Research Team

In a world filled with both promise and peril, understanding the areas where safety concerns loom large becomes crucial. Join us on an eye-opening expedition as we uncover the 25 most dangerous cities across Iowa. From bustling urban hubs to underprivileged neighborhoods, these communities grapple with security challenges that demand attention.

Where does the crime data come from?

This comprehensive list of the safest and most dangerous cities in Iowa is backed by credible data sourced directly from the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System (NBIRS). By relying on this authoritative database, we ensure that the information presented here is not only accurate but also up-to-date. The FBI's NBIRS system is a trusted source for crime statistics, providing valuable insights into the security landscapes of cities and communities across the nation.

How do we rank the cities?

Our ranking system is based on the total number of crimes reported in each city. We then calculated the crime rate per 100,000 population for each city. The cities with the lowest crime rates were ranked as the safest cities in Iowa. Conversely, the cities with the highest crime rates were ranked as the most dangerous cities in Iowa.

To ensure the relevance and accuracy of our rankings, this list includes only cities and communities in Iowa with a population of more than 5,000 residents. This population threshold allows us to focus on areas where a significant number of people live and work, providing a meaningful perspective on safety for the majority of our readers.

The data presented in this report spans a period from 2012 to 2021. By aggregating information over this decade, we gain valuable insights into the trends and changes in safety and crime rates within Iowa. This long-term perspective allows us to identify both short-term fluctuations and broader patterns, providing a comprehensive view of the security landscape in the state.

#25 Mount Pleasant

County: Henry

12.76

Crime per 100,000 population

-5.81%

vs. Iowa average

-10.93%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Mount Pleasant from 2012 to 2022

Mount Pleasant is an area in Henry, Iowa with population of 8,996. The arson crime rate in Mount Pleasant is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mount Pleasant Police Department (IA0440100). Mount Pleasant arson crime rate is 12.76 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Mount Pleasant

#24 Bondurant

County: Polk

13.4

Crime per 100,000 population

-1.09%

vs. Iowa average

-6.46%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Bondurant from 2012 to 2022

Bondurant is an area in Polk, Iowa with population of 7,163. The arson crime rate in Bondurant is based on the nearest law agency agency, Altoona Police Department (IA0770800). Bondurant arson crime rate is 13.4 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Bondurant

#23 Altoona

County: Polk

13.4

Crime per 100,000 population

-1.09%

vs. Iowa average

-6.46%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Altoona from 2012 to 2022

Altoona is an area in Polk, Iowa with population of 19,345. The arson crime rate in Altoona is based on the nearest law agency agency, Altoona Police Department (IA0770800). Altoona arson crime rate is 13.4 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Altoona

#22 Hiawatha

County: Linn

13.69

Crime per 100,000 population

+1.06%

vs. Iowa average

-4.44%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Hiawatha from 2012 to 2022

Hiawatha is an area in Linn, Iowa with population of 7,184. The arson crime rate in Hiawatha is based on the nearest law agency agency, Hiawatha Police Department (IA0570300). Hiawatha arson crime rate is 13.69 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hiawatha

#21 Marion

County: Linn

14.67

Crime per 100,000 population

+8.29%

vs. Iowa average

+2.4%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Marion from 2012 to 2022

Marion is an area in Linn, Iowa with population of 41,023. The arson crime rate in Marion is based on the nearest law agency agency, Marion Police Department (IA0570200). Marion arson crime rate is 14.67 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Marion

#20 Cedar Rapids

County: Linn

15.19

Crime per 100,000 population

+12.13%

vs. Iowa average

+6.03%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Cedar Rapids from 2012 to 2022

Cedar Rapids is an area in Linn, Iowa with population of 192,714. The arson crime rate in Cedar Rapids is based on the nearest law agency agency, Cedar Rapids Police Department (IA0570100). Cedar Rapids arson crime rate is 15.19 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Cedar Rapids

#19 Council Bluffs

County: Pottawattamie

15.82

Crime per 100,000 population

+16.78%

vs. Iowa average

+10.43%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Council Bluffs from 2012 to 2022

Council Bluffs is an area in Pottawattamie, Iowa with population of 62,617. The arson crime rate in Council Bluffs is based on the nearest law agency agency, Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office (IA0780000). Council Bluffs arson crime rate is 15.82 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Council Bluffs

#18 Oelwein

County: Fayette

15.94

Crime per 100,000 population

+17.66%

vs. Iowa average

+11.27%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Oelwein from 2012 to 2022

Oelwein is an area in Fayette, Iowa with population of 5,961. The arson crime rate in Oelwein is based on the nearest law agency agency, Buchanan County Sheriff's Office (IA0100000). Oelwein arson crime rate is 15.94 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Oelwein

#17 Independence

County: Buchanan

15.94

Crime per 100,000 population

+17.66%

vs. Iowa average

+11.27%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Independence from 2012 to 2022

Independence is an area in Buchanan, Iowa with population of 6,088. The arson crime rate in Independence is based on the nearest law agency agency, Buchanan County Sheriff's Office (IA0100000). Independence arson crime rate is 15.94 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Independence

#16 Indianola

County: Warren

16.54

Crime per 100,000 population

+22.09%

vs. Iowa average

+15.45%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Indianola from 2012 to 2022

Indianola is an area in Warren, Iowa with population of 15,544. The arson crime rate in Indianola is based on the nearest law agency agency, Warren County Sheriff's Office (IA0910000). Indianola arson crime rate is 16.54 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Indianola

#15 Ottumwa

County: Wapello

17.06

Crime per 100,000 population

+25.93%

vs. Iowa average

+19.08%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Ottumwa from 2012 to 2022

Ottumwa is an area in Wapello, Iowa with population of 25,379. The arson crime rate in Ottumwa is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wapello County Sheriff's Office (IA0900000). Ottumwa arson crime rate is 17.06 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Ottumwa

#14 Fort Dodge

County: Webster

17.13

Crime per 100,000 population

+26.45%

vs. Iowa average

+19.57%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Fort Dodge from 2012 to 2022

Fort Dodge is an area in Webster, Iowa with population of 24,826. The arson crime rate in Fort Dodge is based on the nearest law agency agency, Webster County Sheriff's Office (IA0940000). Fort Dodge arson crime rate is 17.13 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Fort Dodge

#13 Osceola

County: Clarke

18.91

Crime per 100,000 population

+39.59%

vs. Iowa average

+32.0%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Osceola from 2012 to 2022

Osceola is an area in Clarke, Iowa with population of 5,412. The arson crime rate in Osceola is based on the nearest law agency agency, Clarke County Sheriff's Office (IA0200000). Osceola arson crime rate is 18.91 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Osceola

#12 Mason City

County: Cerro Gordo

19.48

Crime per 100,000 population

+43.8%

vs. Iowa average

+35.98%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Mason City from 2012 to 2022

Mason City is an area in Cerro Gordo, Iowa with population of 27,385. The arson crime rate in Mason City is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mason City Police Department (IA0170200). Mason City arson crime rate is 19.48 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Mason City

#11 Keokuk

County: Lee

20.82

Crime per 100,000 population

+53.69%

vs. Iowa average

+45.33%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Keokuk from 2012 to 2022

Keokuk is an area in Lee, Iowa with population of 9,977. The arson crime rate in Keokuk is based on the nearest law agency agency, Keokuk Police Department (IA0560200). Keokuk arson crime rate is 20.82 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Keokuk

#10 Clarinda

County: Page

22.22

Crime per 100,000 population

+64.02%

vs. Iowa average

+55.1%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Clarinda from 2012 to 2022

Clarinda is an area in Page, Iowa with population of 5,498. The arson crime rate in Clarinda is based on the nearest law agency agency, Clarinda Police Department (IA0730100). Clarinda arson crime rate is 22.22 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Clarinda

#9 Marshalltown

County: Marshall

25.21

Crime per 100,000 population

+86.09%

vs. Iowa average

+75.97%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Marshalltown from 2012 to 2022

Marshalltown is an area in Marshall, Iowa with population of 27,570. The arson crime rate in Marshalltown is based on the nearest law agency agency, Marshalltown Police Department (IA0640100). Marshalltown arson crime rate is 25.21 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Marshalltown

#8 Le Mars

County: Plymouth

28.27

Crime per 100,000 population

+108.68%

vs. Iowa average

+97.33%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Le Mars from 2012 to 2022

Le Mars is an area in Plymouth, Iowa with population of 10,462. The arson crime rate in Le Mars is based on the nearest law agency agency, Le Mars Police Department (IA0750100). Le Mars arson crime rate is 28.27 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Le Mars

#7 Centerville

County: Appanoose

30.71

Crime per 100,000 population

+126.69%

vs. Iowa average

+114.37%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Centerville from 2012 to 2022

Centerville is an area in Appanoose, Iowa with population of 5,353. The arson crime rate in Centerville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Appanoose County Sheriff's Office (IA0040000). Centerville arson crime rate is 30.71 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Centerville

#6 Grinnell

County: Poweshiek

30.82

Crime per 100,000 population

+127.5%

vs. Iowa average

+115.13%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Grinnell from 2012 to 2022

Grinnell is an area in Poweshiek, Iowa with population of 9,481. The arson crime rate in Grinnell is based on the nearest law agency agency, Grinnell Police Department (IA0790100). Grinnell arson crime rate is 30.82 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Grinnell

#5 Dubuque

County: Dubuque

32.23

Crime per 100,000 population

+137.91%

vs. Iowa average

+124.98%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Dubuque from 2012 to 2022

Dubuque is an area in Dubuque, Iowa with population of 67,916. The arson crime rate in Dubuque is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dubuque Police Department (IA0310100). Dubuque arson crime rate is 32.23 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Dubuque

#4 Storm Lake

County: Buena Vista

32.85

Crime per 100,000 population

+142.49%

vs. Iowa average

+129.3%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Storm Lake from 2012 to 2022

Storm Lake is an area in Buena Vista, Iowa with population of 11,166. The arson crime rate in Storm Lake is based on the nearest law agency agency, Storm Lake Police Department (IA0110100). Storm Lake arson crime rate is 32.85 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Storm Lake

#3 Red Oak

County: Montgomery

33.18

Crime per 100,000 population

+144.93%

vs. Iowa average

+131.61%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Red Oak from 2012 to 2022

Red Oak is an area in Montgomery, Iowa with population of 5,576. The arson crime rate in Red Oak is based on the nearest law agency agency, Red Oak Police Department (IA0690100). Red Oak arson crime rate is 33.18 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Red Oak

#2 Burlington

County: Des Moines

35.2

Crime per 100,000 population

+159.84%

vs. Iowa average

+145.71%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Burlington from 2012 to 2022

Burlington is an area in Des Moines, Iowa with population of 24,160. The arson crime rate in Burlington is based on the nearest law agency agency, Burlington Police Department (IA0290100). Burlington arson crime rate is 35.2 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Burlington

#1 Muscatine

County: Muscatine

39.81

Crime per 100,000 population

+193.87%

vs. Iowa average

+177.89%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Muscatine from 2012 to 2022

Muscatine is an area in Muscatine, Iowa with population of 23,759. The arson crime rate in Muscatine is based on the nearest law agency agency, Muscatine Police Department (IA0700100). Muscatine arson crime rate is 39.81 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 13.55 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Muscatine

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in Iowa

Safety Tips for Arson Crime in Iowa

Explore More on Crime Rates in Iowa

Interested in learning more about crime rates in Iowa? Check out our comprehensive guide to crime rates in Iowa for a detailed analysis of crime trends and statistics across the state. From the safest cities to the most dangerous communities, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of crime rates in Iowa.

Explore More on Crime Rates in United States

Curious about crime rates in the United States? Explore our comprehensive guide to crime statistics and trends across the country. From the safest cities to the most concerning communities, this guide offers an in-depth analysis of crime rates throughout the United States.

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