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.
County: Clinton
1.68
Crime per 100,000 population
-69.01%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Clinton from 2012 to 2022
Clinton is an area in Clinton, Iowa with population of 24,651.
The homicide crime rate in Clinton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Clinton County Sheriff's Office (IA0230000).
Clinton homicide crime rate is 1.68 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Clinton
County: Delaware
1.69
Crime per 100,000 population
-68.82%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Manchester from 2012 to 2022
Manchester is an area in Delaware, Iowa with population of 5,077.
The homicide crime rate in Manchester is based on the nearest law agency agency, Delaware County Sheriff's Office (IA0280000).
Manchester homicide crime rate is 1.69 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Manchester
County: Madison
1.88
Crime per 100,000 population
-65.32%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Winterset from 2012 to 2022
Winterset is an area in Madison, Iowa with population of 5,309.
The homicide crime rate in Winterset is based on the nearest law agency agency, Winterset Police Department (IA0610100).
Winterset homicide crime rate is 1.88 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Winterset
County: Polk
1.99
Crime per 100,000 population
-63.29%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Pleasant Hill from 2012 to 2022
Pleasant Hill is an area in Polk, Iowa with population of 10,203.
The homicide crime rate in Pleasant Hill is based on the nearest law agency agency, Pleasant Hill Police Department (IA0771400).
Pleasant Hill homicide crime rate is 1.99 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Pleasant Hill
County: Bremer
2.06
Crime per 100,000 population
-62.0%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Waverly from 2012 to 2022
Waverly is an area in Bremer, Iowa with population of 10,278.
The homicide crime rate in Waverly is based on the nearest law agency agency, Bremer County Sheriff's Office (IA0090000).
Waverly homicide crime rate is 2.06 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Waverly
County: Muscatine
2.16
Crime per 100,000 population
-60.15%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Muscatine from 2012 to 2022
Muscatine is an area in Muscatine, Iowa with population of 23,759.
The homicide crime rate in Muscatine is based on the nearest law agency agency, Muscatine Police Department (IA0700100).
Muscatine homicide crime rate is 2.16 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Muscatine
County: Poweshiek
2.21
Crime per 100,000 population
-59.23%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Grinnell from 2012 to 2022
Grinnell is an area in Poweshiek, Iowa with population of 9,481.
The homicide crime rate in Grinnell is based on the nearest law agency agency, Grinnell Police Department (IA0790100).
Grinnell homicide crime rate is 2.21 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Grinnell
County: Dubuque
2.4
Crime per 100,000 population
-55.73%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Dubuque from 2012 to 2022
Dubuque is an area in Dubuque, Iowa with population of 67,916.
The homicide crime rate in Dubuque is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dubuque Police Department (IA0310100).
Dubuque homicide crime rate is 2.4 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Dubuque
County: Polk
2.54
Crime per 100,000 population
-53.15%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Des Moines from 2012 to 2022
Des Moines is an area in Polk, Iowa with population of 514,654.
The homicide crime rate in Des Moines is based on the nearest law agency agency, Polk County Sheriff's Office (IA0770000).
Des Moines homicide crime rate is 2.54 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Des Moines
County: Jefferson
2.65
Crime per 100,000 population
-51.12%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Fairfield from 2012 to 2022
Fairfield is an area in Jefferson, Iowa with population of 9,653.
The homicide crime rate in Fairfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (IA0510000).
Fairfield homicide crime rate is 2.65 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Fairfield
County: Washington
2.7
Crime per 100,000 population
-50.19%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Washington from 2012 to 2022
Washington is an area in Washington, Iowa with population of 7,314.
The homicide crime rate in Washington is based on the nearest law agency agency, Washington Police Department (IA0920100).
Washington homicide crime rate is 2.7 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Washington
County: Wapello
2.84
Crime per 100,000 population
-47.61%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Ottumwa from 2012 to 2022
Ottumwa is an area in Wapello, Iowa with population of 25,379.
The homicide crime rate in Ottumwa is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wapello County Sheriff's Office (IA0900000).
Ottumwa homicide crime rate is 2.84 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Ottumwa
County: Lee
2.89
Crime per 100,000 population
-46.69%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Keokuk from 2012 to 2022
Keokuk is an area in Lee, Iowa with population of 9,977.
The homicide crime rate in Keokuk is based on the nearest law agency agency, Keokuk Police Department (IA0560200).
Keokuk homicide crime rate is 2.89 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Keokuk
County: Lee
2.9
Crime per 100,000 population
-46.5%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Fort Madison from 2012 to 2022
Fort Madison is an area in Lee, Iowa with population of 10,340.
The homicide crime rate in Fort Madison is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lee County Sheriff's Office (IA0560000).
Fort Madison homicide crime rate is 2.9 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Fort Madison
County: Sioux
3.23
Crime per 100,000 population
-40.42%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Orange City from 2012 to 2022
Orange City is an area in Sioux, Iowa with population of 6,214.
The homicide crime rate in Orange City is based on the nearest law agency agency, Orange City Police Department (IA0840100).
Orange City homicide crime rate is 3.23 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Orange City
County: Marshall
3.31
Crime per 100,000 population
-38.94%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Marshalltown from 2012 to 2022
Marshalltown is an area in Marshall, Iowa with population of 27,570.
The homicide crime rate in Marshalltown is based on the nearest law agency agency, Marshalltown Police Department (IA0640100).
Marshalltown homicide crime rate is 3.31 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Marshalltown
County: Mills
3.82
Crime per 100,000 population
-29.53%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Glenwood from 2012 to 2022
Glenwood is an area in Mills, Iowa with population of 5,224.
The homicide crime rate in Glenwood is based on the nearest law agency agency, Glenwood Police Department (IA0650100).
Glenwood homicide crime rate is 3.82 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Glenwood
County: Cerro Gordo
4.4
Crime per 100,000 population
-18.83%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Mason City from 2012 to 2022
Mason City is an area in Cerro Gordo, Iowa with population of 27,385.
The homicide crime rate in Mason City is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mason City Police Department (IA0170200).
Mason City homicide crime rate is 4.4 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Mason City
County: Linn
4.7
Crime per 100,000 population
+104.08%
vs. Iowa average
-13.3%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Cedar Rapids from 2012 to 2022
Cedar Rapids is an area in Linn, Iowa with population of 192,714.
The homicide crime rate in Cedar Rapids is based on the nearest law agency agency, Cedar Rapids Police Department (IA0570100).
Cedar Rapids homicide crime rate is 4.7 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Cedar Rapids
County: Webster
5.06
Crime per 100,000 population
+119.71%
vs. Iowa average
-6.66%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Fort Dodge from 2012 to 2022
Fort Dodge is an area in Webster, Iowa with population of 24,826.
The homicide crime rate in Fort Dodge is based on the nearest law agency agency, Webster County Sheriff's Office (IA0940000).
Fort Dodge homicide crime rate is 5.06 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Fort Dodge
County: Kossuth
5.34
Crime per 100,000 population
+131.87%
vs. Iowa average
-1.49%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Algona from 2012 to 2022
Algona is an area in Kossuth, Iowa with population of 5,407.
The homicide crime rate in Algona is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kossuth County Sheriff's Office (IA0550000).
Algona homicide crime rate is 5.34 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Algona
County: Emmet
5.44
Crime per 100,000 population
+136.21%
vs. Iowa average
+0.35%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Estherville from 2012 to 2022
Estherville is an area in Emmet, Iowa with population of 5,904.
The homicide crime rate in Estherville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Emmet County Sheriff's Office (IA0320000).
Estherville homicide crime rate is 5.44 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Estherville
County: Des Moines
7.1
Crime per 100,000 population
+208.29%
vs. Iowa average
+30.97%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Burlington from 2012 to 2022
Burlington is an area in Des Moines, Iowa with population of 24,160.
The homicide crime rate in Burlington is based on the nearest law agency agency, Burlington Police Department (IA0290100).
Burlington homicide crime rate is 7.1 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Burlington
County: Union
8.54
Crime per 100,000 population
+270.82%
vs. Iowa average
+57.54%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Creston from 2012 to 2022
Creston is an area in Union, Iowa with population of 7,594.
The homicide crime rate in Creston is based on the nearest law agency agency, Union County Sheriff's Office (IA0880000).
Creston homicide crime rate is 8.54 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Creston
County: Montgomery
9.22
Crime per 100,000 population
+300.35%
vs. Iowa average
+70.08%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of homicide crime rate in Red Oak from 2012 to 2022
Red Oak is an area in Montgomery, Iowa with population of 5,576.
The homicide crime rate in Red Oak is based on the nearest law agency agency, Red Oak Police Department (IA0690100).
Red Oak homicide crime rate is 9.22 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 2.3 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Red Oak
Factors Influencing Crime Rates in Iowa
Safety Tips for Homicide 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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