Iowa's 25 Safest Cities in Violent Crime - Updated 2023

Safe Havens Unveiled: Exploring the 25 Safest Cities in Iowa

Author: CrimeData.io Research Team

In a world where safety and security are paramount, finding the perfect place to call home becomes a top priority. Join us on a journey as we uncover the 25 safest cities across Iowa. From tranquil suburbs to vibrant urban centers, these communities offer not only peace of mind but also a high quality of life.

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 Denison

County: Crawford

132

Crime per 100,000 population

-52.86%

vs. Iowa average

-67.27%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Denison from 2012 to 2022

Denison is an area in Crawford, Iowa with population of 8,323. The violent crime rate in Denison is based on the nearest law agency agency, Denison Police Department (IA0240100). Denison violent crime rate is 132 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 Denison

#24 Creston

County: Union

117

Crime per 100,000 population

-58.2%

vs. Iowa average

-70.98%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Creston from 2012 to 2022

Creston is an area in Union, Iowa with population of 7,594. The violent crime rate in Creston is based on the nearest law agency agency, Union County Sheriff's Office (IA0880000). Creston violent crime rate is 117 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 Creston

#23 Spencer

County: Clay

113

Crime per 100,000 population

-59.7%

vs. Iowa average

-72.02%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Spencer from 2012 to 2022

Spencer is an area in Clay, Iowa with population of 11,292. The violent crime rate in Spencer is based on the nearest law agency agency, Spencer Police Department (IA0210100). Spencer violent crime rate is 113 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 Spencer

#22 Webster City

County: Hamilton

109

Crime per 100,000 population

-60.98%

vs. Iowa average

-72.91%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Webster City from 2012 to 2022

Webster City is an area in Hamilton, Iowa with population of 7,825. The violent crime rate in Webster City is based on the nearest law agency agency, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (IA0400000). Webster City violent crime rate is 109 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 Webster City

#21 Manchester

County: Delaware

109

Crime per 100,000 population

-61.08%

vs. Iowa average

-72.98%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Manchester from 2012 to 2022

Manchester is an area in Delaware, Iowa with population of 5,077. The violent crime rate in Manchester is based on the nearest law agency agency, Delaware County Sheriff's Office (IA0280000). Manchester violent crime rate is 109 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 Manchester

#20 Anamosa

County: Jones

109

Crime per 100,000 population

-61.09%

vs. Iowa average

-72.98%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Anamosa from 2012 to 2022

Anamosa is an area in Jones, Iowa with population of 5,332. The violent crime rate in Anamosa is based on the nearest law agency agency, Anamosa Police Department (IA0530100). Anamosa violent crime rate is 109 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 Anamosa

#19 Newton

County: Jasper

108

Crime per 100,000 population

-61.63%

vs. Iowa average

-73.36%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Newton from 2012 to 2022

Newton is an area in Jasper, Iowa with population of 15,688. The violent crime rate in Newton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Jasper County Sheriff's Office (IA0500000). Newton violent crime rate is 108 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 Newton

#18 Boone

County: Boone

101

Crime per 100,000 population

-63.82%

vs. Iowa average

-74.88%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Boone from 2012 to 2022

Boone is an area in Boone, Iowa with population of 12,509. The violent crime rate in Boone is based on the nearest law agency agency, Boone County Sheriff's Office (IA0080000). Boone violent crime rate is 101 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 Boone

#17 Algona

County: Kossuth

100

Crime per 100,000 population

-64.22%

vs. Iowa average

-75.16%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Algona from 2012 to 2022

Algona is an area in Kossuth, Iowa with population of 5,407. The violent crime rate in Algona is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kossuth County Sheriff's Office (IA0550000). Algona violent crime rate is 100 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 Algona

#16 Oskaloosa

County: Mahaska

94.69

Crime per 100,000 population

-66.4%

vs. Iowa average

-76.67%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Oskaloosa from 2012 to 2022

Oskaloosa is an area in Mahaska, Iowa with population of 11,552. The violent crime rate in Oskaloosa is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mahaska County Sheriff's Office (IA0620000). Oskaloosa violent crime rate is 94.69 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 Oskaloosa

#15 Ames

County: Story

91.69

Crime per 100,000 population

-67.47%

vs. Iowa average

-77.41%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Ames from 2012 to 2022

Ames is an area in Story, Iowa with population of 66,027. The violent crime rate in Ames is based on the nearest law agency agency, Story County Sheriff's Office (IA0850000). Ames violent crime rate is 91.69 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 Ames

#14 Oelwein

County: Fayette

86.92

Crime per 100,000 population

-69.16%

vs. Iowa average

-78.59%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Oelwein from 2012 to 2022

Oelwein is an area in Fayette, Iowa with population of 5,961. The violent crime rate in Oelwein is based on the nearest law agency agency, Buchanan County Sheriff's Office (IA0100000). Oelwein violent crime rate is 86.92 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 Oelwein

#13 Independence

County: Buchanan

86.92

Crime per 100,000 population

-69.16%

vs. Iowa average

-78.59%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Independence from 2012 to 2022

Independence is an area in Buchanan, Iowa with population of 6,088. The violent crime rate in Independence is based on the nearest law agency agency, Buchanan County Sheriff's Office (IA0100000). Independence violent crime rate is 86.92 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 Independence

#12 Eldridge

County: Scott

86.64

Crime per 100,000 population

-69.26%

vs. Iowa average

-78.66%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Eldridge from 2012 to 2022

Eldridge is an area in Scott, Iowa with population of 6,634. The violent crime rate in Eldridge is based on the nearest law agency agency, Eldridge Police Department (IA0820600). Eldridge violent crime rate is 86.64 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 Eldridge

#11 Orange City

County: Sioux

63.23

Crime per 100,000 population

-77.57%

vs. Iowa average

-84.42%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Orange City from 2012 to 2022

Orange City is an area in Sioux, Iowa with population of 6,214. The violent crime rate in Orange City is based on the nearest law agency agency, Orange City Police Department (IA0840100). Orange City violent crime rate is 63.23 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 Orange City

#10 Decorah

County: Winneshiek

56.96

Crime per 100,000 population

-79.79%

vs. Iowa average

-85.97%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Decorah from 2012 to 2022

Decorah is an area in Winneshiek, Iowa with population of 7,767. The violent crime rate in Decorah is based on the nearest law agency agency, Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office (IA0960000). Decorah violent crime rate is 56.96 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 Decorah

#9 Cherokee

County: Cherokee

56.85

Crime per 100,000 population

-79.83%

vs. Iowa average

-86.0%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Cherokee from 2012 to 2022

Cherokee is an area in Cherokee, Iowa with population of 5,141. The violent crime rate in Cherokee is based on the nearest law agency agency, Cherokee County Sheriff's Office (IA0180000). Cherokee violent crime rate is 56.85 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 Cherokee

#8 Waverly

County: Bremer

55.87

Crime per 100,000 population

-80.18%

vs. Iowa average

-86.24%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Waverly from 2012 to 2022

Waverly is an area in Bremer, Iowa with population of 10,278. The violent crime rate in Waverly is based on the nearest law agency agency, Bremer County Sheriff's Office (IA0090000). Waverly violent crime rate is 55.87 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 Waverly

#7 Charles City

County: Floyd

55.56

Crime per 100,000 population

-80.29%

vs. Iowa average

-86.31%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Charles City from 2012 to 2022

Charles City is an area in Floyd, Iowa with population of 7,399. The violent crime rate in Charles City is based on the nearest law agency agency, Floyd County Sheriff's Office (IA0340000). Charles City violent crime rate is 55.56 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 Charles City

#6 Asbury

County: Dubuque

53.76

Crime per 100,000 population

-80.93%

vs. Iowa average

-86.76%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Asbury from 2012 to 2022

Asbury is an area in Dubuque, Iowa with population of 5,795. The violent crime rate in Asbury is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dubuque County Sheriff's Office (IA0310000). Asbury violent crime rate is 53.76 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 Asbury

#5 Sioux Center

County: Sioux

37.97

Crime per 100,000 population

-86.53%

vs. Iowa average

-90.65%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Sioux Center from 2012 to 2022

Sioux Center is an area in Sioux, Iowa with population of 8,090. The violent crime rate in Sioux Center is based on the nearest law agency agency, Sioux Center Police Department (IA0840500). Sioux Center violent crime rate is 37.97 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 Sioux Center

#4 Maquoketa

County: Jackson

35.02

Crime per 100,000 population

-87.57%

vs. Iowa average

-91.37%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Maquoketa from 2012 to 2022

Maquoketa is an area in Jackson, Iowa with population of 6,123. The violent crime rate in Maquoketa is based on the nearest law agency agency, Jackson County Sheriff's Office (IA0490000). Maquoketa violent crime rate is 35.02 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 Maquoketa

#3 Fairfield

County: Jefferson

33.54

Crime per 100,000 population

-88.1%

vs. Iowa average

-91.74%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Fairfield from 2012 to 2022

Fairfield is an area in Jefferson, Iowa with population of 9,653. The violent crime rate in Fairfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (IA0510000). Fairfield violent crime rate is 33.54 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 Fairfield

#2 Carroll

County: Carroll

30.44

Crime per 100,000 population

-89.2%

vs. Iowa average

-92.5%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Carroll from 2012 to 2022

Carroll is an area in Carroll, Iowa with population of 10,261. The violent crime rate in Carroll is based on the nearest law agency agency, Carroll County Sheriff's Office (IA0140000). Carroll violent crime rate is 30.44 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 Carroll

#1 Knoxville

County: Marion

24.64

Crime per 100,000 population

-91.26%

vs. Iowa average

-93.93%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Knoxville from 2012 to 2022

Knoxville is an area in Marion, Iowa with population of 7,537. The violent crime rate in Knoxville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Knoxville Police Department (IA0630100). Knoxville violent crime rate is 24.64 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 Knoxville

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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