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: Warren
231
Crime per 100,000 population
-43.02%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Indianola from 2012 to 2022
Indianola is an area in Warren, Iowa with population of 15,544.
The violent crime rate in Indianola is based on the nearest law agency agency, Warren County Sheriff's Office (IA0910000).
Indianola violent crime rate is 231 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Indianola
County: Webster
238
Crime per 100,000 population
-41.32%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Fort Dodge from 2012 to 2022
Fort Dodge is an area in Webster, Iowa with population of 24,826.
The violent crime rate in Fort Dodge is based on the nearest law agency agency, Webster County Sheriff's Office (IA0940000).
Fort Dodge violent crime rate is 238 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Fort Dodge
County: Polk
241
Crime per 100,000 population
-40.55%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Windsor Heights from 2012 to 2022
Windsor Heights is an area in Polk, Iowa with population of 5,208.
The violent crime rate in Windsor Heights is based on the nearest law agency agency, Windsor Heights Police Department (IA0770600).
Windsor Heights violent crime rate is 241 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Windsor Heights
County: Polk
241
Crime per 100,000 population
-40.55%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in West Des Moines from 2012 to 2022
West Des Moines is an area in Polk, Iowa with population of 67,640.
The violent crime rate in West Des Moines is based on the nearest law agency agency, Windsor Heights Police Department (IA0770600).
West Des Moines violent crime rate is 241 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in West Des Moines
County: Warren
241
Crime per 100,000 population
-40.55%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Norwalk from 2012 to 2022
Norwalk is an area in Warren, Iowa with population of 12,592.
The violent crime rate in Norwalk is based on the nearest law agency agency, Windsor Heights Police Department (IA0770600).
Norwalk violent crime rate is 241 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Norwalk
County: Johnson
264
Crime per 100,000 population
-34.94%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Iowa City from 2012 to 2022
Iowa City is an area in Johnson, Iowa with population of 120,015.
The violent crime rate in Iowa City is based on the nearest law agency agency, Iowa City Police Department (IA0520200).
Iowa City violent crime rate is 264 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Iowa City
County: Scott
270
Crime per 100,000 population
-33.33%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Davenport from 2012 to 2022
Davenport is an area in Scott, Iowa with population of 280,282.
The violent crime rate in Davenport is based on the nearest law agency agency, Scott County Sheriff's Office (IA0820000).
Davenport violent crime rate is 270 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Davenport
County: Madison
274
Crime per 100,000 population
-32.37%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Winterset from 2012 to 2022
Winterset is an area in Madison, Iowa with population of 5,309.
The violent crime rate in Winterset is based on the nearest law agency agency, Winterset Police Department (IA0610100).
Winterset violent crime rate is 274 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Winterset
County: Cerro Gordo
280
Crime per 100,000 population
-30.91%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Mason City from 2012 to 2022
Mason City is an area in Cerro Gordo, Iowa with population of 27,385.
The violent crime rate in Mason City is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mason City Police Department (IA0170200).
Mason City violent crime rate is 280 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Mason City
County: Cerro Gordo
293
Crime per 100,000 population
-27.81%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Clear Lake from 2012 to 2022
Clear Lake is an area in Cerro Gordo, Iowa with population of 7,673.
The violent crime rate in Clear Lake is based on the nearest law agency agency, Clear Lake Police Department (IA0170100).
Clear Lake violent crime rate is 293 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Clear Lake
County: Linn
297
Crime per 100,000 population
-26.75%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Cedar Rapids from 2012 to 2022
Cedar Rapids is an area in Linn, Iowa with population of 192,714.
The violent crime rate in Cedar Rapids is based on the nearest law agency agency, Cedar Rapids Police Department (IA0570100).
Cedar Rapids violent crime rate is 297 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Cedar Rapids
County: Dubuque
297
Crime per 100,000 population
-26.73%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Dubuque from 2012 to 2022
Dubuque is an area in Dubuque, Iowa with population of 67,916.
The violent crime rate in Dubuque is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dubuque Police Department (IA0310100).
Dubuque violent crime rate is 297 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Dubuque
County: Emmet
310
Crime per 100,000 population
-23.43%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Estherville from 2012 to 2022
Estherville is an area in Emmet, Iowa with population of 5,904.
The violent crime rate in Estherville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Emmet County Sheriff's Office (IA0320000).
Estherville violent crime rate is 310 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Estherville
County: Dickinson
316
Crime per 100,000 population
-22.09%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Spirit Lake from 2012 to 2022
Spirit Lake is an area in Dickinson, Iowa with population of 5,301.
The violent crime rate in Spirit Lake is based on the nearest law agency agency, Spirit Lake Police Department (IA0300100).
Spirit Lake violent crime rate is 316 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Spirit Lake
County: Page
373
Crime per 100,000 population
-8.04%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Clarinda from 2012 to 2022
Clarinda is an area in Page, Iowa with population of 5,498.
The violent crime rate in Clarinda is based on the nearest law agency agency, Clarinda Police Department (IA0730100).
Clarinda violent crime rate is 373 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Clarinda
County: Montgomery
404
Crime per 100,000 population
-0.42%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Red Oak from 2012 to 2022
Red Oak is an area in Montgomery, Iowa with population of 5,576.
The violent crime rate in Red Oak is based on the nearest law agency agency, Red Oak Police Department (IA0690100).
Red Oak violent crime rate is 404 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Red Oak
County: Story
436
Crime per 100,000 population
+7.53%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Nevada from 2012 to 2022
Nevada is an area in Story, Iowa with population of 7,017.
The violent crime rate in Nevada is based on the nearest law agency agency, Nevada Police Department (IA0850200).
Nevada violent crime rate is 436 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Nevada
County: Mills
437
Crime per 100,000 population
+7.76%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Glenwood from 2012 to 2022
Glenwood is an area in Mills, Iowa with population of 5,224.
The violent crime rate in Glenwood is based on the nearest law agency agency, Glenwood Police Department (IA0650100).
Glenwood violent crime rate is 437 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Glenwood
County: Buena Vista
480
Crime per 100,000 population
+18.3%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Storm Lake from 2012 to 2022
Storm Lake is an area in Buena Vista, Iowa with population of 11,166.
The violent crime rate in Storm Lake is based on the nearest law agency agency, Storm Lake Police Department (IA0110100).
Storm Lake violent crime rate is 480 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Storm Lake
County: Poweshiek
508
Crime per 100,000 population
+25.16%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Grinnell from 2012 to 2022
Grinnell is an area in Poweshiek, Iowa with population of 9,481.
The violent crime rate in Grinnell is based on the nearest law agency agency, Grinnell Police Department (IA0790100).
Grinnell violent crime rate is 508 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Grinnell
County: Muscatine
513
Crime per 100,000 population
+26.4%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Muscatine from 2012 to 2022
Muscatine is an area in Muscatine, Iowa with population of 23,759.
The violent crime rate in Muscatine is based on the nearest law agency agency, Muscatine Police Department (IA0700100).
Muscatine violent crime rate is 513 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Muscatine
County: Marshall
523
Crime per 100,000 population
+29.0%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Marshalltown from 2012 to 2022
Marshalltown is an area in Marshall, Iowa with population of 27,570.
The violent crime rate in Marshalltown is based on the nearest law agency agency, Marshalltown Police Department (IA0640100).
Marshalltown violent crime rate is 523 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Marshalltown
County: Washington
594
Crime per 100,000 population
+110.86%
vs. Iowa average
+46.4%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Washington from 2012 to 2022
Washington is an area in Washington, Iowa with population of 7,314.
The violent crime rate in Washington is based on the nearest law agency agency, Washington Police Department (IA0920100).
Washington violent crime rate is 594 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Washington
County: Des Moines
667
Crime per 100,000 population
+136.77%
vs. Iowa average
+64.39%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Burlington from 2012 to 2022
Burlington is an area in Des Moines, Iowa with population of 24,160.
The violent crime rate in Burlington is based on the nearest law agency agency, Burlington Police Department (IA0290100).
Burlington violent crime rate is 667 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Burlington
County: Lee
855
Crime per 100,000 population
+110.72%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Keokuk from 2012 to 2022
Keokuk is an area in Lee, Iowa with population of 9,977.
The violent crime rate in Keokuk is based on the nearest law agency agency, Keokuk Police Department (IA0560200).
Keokuk violent crime rate is 855 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 281.84 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Keokuk
Factors Influencing Crime Rates in Iowa
Safety Tips for Violent 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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