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
108
Crime per 100,000 population
-55.71%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Indianola from 2012 to 2022
Indianola is an area in Warren, Iowa with population of 15,544.
The motor crime rate in Indianola is based on the nearest law agency agency, Warren County Sheriff's Office (IA0910000).
Indianola motor crime rate is 108 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Indianola
County: Henry
110
Crime per 100,000 population
-55.16%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Mount Pleasant from 2012 to 2022
Mount Pleasant is an area in Henry, Iowa with population of 8,996.
The motor crime rate in Mount Pleasant is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mount Pleasant Police Department (IA0440100).
Mount Pleasant motor crime rate is 110 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Mount Pleasant
County: Dubuque
112
Crime per 100,000 population
-54.29%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Dubuque from 2012 to 2022
Dubuque is an area in Dubuque, Iowa with population of 67,916.
The motor crime rate in Dubuque is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dubuque Police Department (IA0310100).
Dubuque motor crime rate is 112 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Dubuque
County: Plymouth
113
Crime per 100,000 population
-53.88%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Le Mars from 2012 to 2022
Le Mars is an area in Plymouth, Iowa with population of 10,462.
The motor crime rate in Le Mars is based on the nearest law agency agency, Le Mars Police Department (IA0750100).
Le Mars motor crime rate is 113 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Le Mars
County: Polk
115
Crime per 100,000 population
-52.85%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Bondurant from 2012 to 2022
Bondurant is an area in Polk, Iowa with population of 7,163.
The motor crime rate in Bondurant is based on the nearest law agency agency, Altoona Police Department (IA0770800).
Bondurant motor crime rate is 115 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Bondurant
County: Polk
115
Crime per 100,000 population
-52.85%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Altoona from 2012 to 2022
Altoona is an area in Polk, Iowa with population of 19,345.
The motor crime rate in Altoona is based on the nearest law agency agency, Altoona Police Department (IA0770800).
Altoona motor crime rate is 115 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Altoona
County: Cerro Gordo
117
Crime per 100,000 population
-52.1%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Clear Lake from 2012 to 2022
Clear Lake is an area in Cerro Gordo, Iowa with population of 7,673.
The motor crime rate in Clear Lake is based on the nearest law agency agency, Clear Lake Police Department (IA0170100).
Clear Lake motor crime rate is 117 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Clear Lake
County: Webster
120
Crime per 100,000 population
-51.04%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Fort Dodge from 2012 to 2022
Fort Dodge is an area in Webster, Iowa with population of 24,826.
The motor crime rate in Fort Dodge is based on the nearest law agency agency, Webster County Sheriff's Office (IA0940000).
Fort Dodge motor crime rate is 120 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Fort Dodge
County: Johnson
120
Crime per 100,000 population
-50.8%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Iowa City from 2012 to 2022
Iowa City is an area in Johnson, Iowa with population of 120,015.
The motor crime rate in Iowa City is based on the nearest law agency agency, Iowa City Police Department (IA0520200).
Iowa City motor crime rate is 120 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Iowa City
County: Muscatine
131
Crime per 100,000 population
-46.5%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Muscatine from 2012 to 2022
Muscatine is an area in Muscatine, Iowa with population of 23,759.
The motor crime rate in Muscatine is based on the nearest law agency agency, Muscatine Police Department (IA0700100).
Muscatine motor crime rate is 131 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Muscatine
County: Union
133
Crime per 100,000 population
-45.44%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Creston from 2012 to 2022
Creston is an area in Union, Iowa with population of 7,594.
The motor crime rate in Creston is based on the nearest law agency agency, Union County Sheriff's Office (IA0880000).
Creston motor crime rate is 133 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Creston
County: Pottawattamie
136
Crime per 100,000 population
-44.56%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Council Bluffs from 2012 to 2022
Council Bluffs is an area in Pottawattamie, Iowa with population of 62,617.
The motor crime rate in Council Bluffs is based on the nearest law agency agency, Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office (IA0780000).
Council Bluffs motor crime rate is 136 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Council Bluffs
County: Mills
139
Crime per 100,000 population
-43.01%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Glenwood from 2012 to 2022
Glenwood is an area in Mills, Iowa with population of 5,224.
The motor crime rate in Glenwood is based on the nearest law agency agency, Glenwood Police Department (IA0650100).
Glenwood motor crime rate is 139 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Glenwood
County: Wapello
141
Crime per 100,000 population
-42.4%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Ottumwa from 2012 to 2022
Ottumwa is an area in Wapello, Iowa with population of 25,379.
The motor crime rate in Ottumwa is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wapello County Sheriff's Office (IA0900000).
Ottumwa motor crime rate is 141 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Ottumwa
County: Montgomery
151
Crime per 100,000 population
-38.23%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Red Oak from 2012 to 2022
Red Oak is an area in Montgomery, Iowa with population of 5,576.
The motor crime rate in Red Oak is based on the nearest law agency agency, Red Oak Police Department (IA0690100).
Red Oak motor crime rate is 151 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Red Oak
County: Cerro Gordo
158
Crime per 100,000 population
-35.27%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Mason City from 2012 to 2022
Mason City is an area in Cerro Gordo, Iowa with population of 27,385.
The motor crime rate in Mason City is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mason City Police Department (IA0170200).
Mason City motor crime rate is 158 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Mason City
County: Marshall
163
Crime per 100,000 population
-33.21%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Marshalltown from 2012 to 2022
Marshalltown is an area in Marshall, Iowa with population of 27,570.
The motor crime rate in Marshalltown is based on the nearest law agency agency, Marshalltown Police Department (IA0640100).
Marshalltown motor crime rate is 163 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Marshalltown
County: Appanoose
174
Crime per 100,000 population
-28.8%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Centerville from 2012 to 2022
Centerville is an area in Appanoose, Iowa with population of 5,353.
The motor crime rate in Centerville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Appanoose County Sheriff's Office (IA0040000).
Centerville motor crime rate is 174 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Centerville
County: Clarke
193
Crime per 100,000 population
-21.16%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Osceola from 2012 to 2022
Osceola is an area in Clarke, Iowa with population of 5,412.
The motor crime rate in Osceola is based on the nearest law agency agency, Clarke County Sheriff's Office (IA0200000).
Osceola motor crime rate is 193 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Osceola
County: Polk
195
Crime per 100,000 population
-20.11%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Des Moines from 2012 to 2022
Des Moines is an area in Polk, Iowa with population of 514,654.
The motor crime rate in Des Moines is based on the nearest law agency agency, Polk County Sheriff's Office (IA0770000).
Des Moines motor crime rate is 195 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Des Moines
County: Page
196
Crime per 100,000 population
-19.94%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Clarinda from 2012 to 2022
Clarinda is an area in Page, Iowa with population of 5,498.
The motor crime rate in Clarinda is based on the nearest law agency agency, Clarinda Police Department (IA0730100).
Clarinda motor crime rate is 196 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Clarinda
County: Polk
207
Crime per 100,000 population
-15.61%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Pleasant Hill from 2012 to 2022
Pleasant Hill is an area in Polk, Iowa with population of 10,203.
The motor crime rate in Pleasant Hill is based on the nearest law agency agency, Pleasant Hill Police Department (IA0771400).
Pleasant Hill motor crime rate is 207 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Pleasant Hill
County: Des Moines
243
Crime per 100,000 population
-0.93%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Burlington from 2012 to 2022
Burlington is an area in Des Moines, Iowa with population of 24,160.
The motor crime rate in Burlington is based on the nearest law agency agency, Burlington Police Department (IA0290100).
Burlington motor crime rate is 243 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Burlington
County: Linn
275
Crime per 100,000 population
+12.14%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Cedar Rapids from 2012 to 2022
Cedar Rapids is an area in Linn, Iowa with population of 192,714.
The motor crime rate in Cedar Rapids is based on the nearest law agency agency, Cedar Rapids Police Department (IA0570100).
Cedar Rapids motor crime rate is 275 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Cedar Rapids
County: Lee
368
Crime per 100,000 population
+128.73%
vs. Iowa average
+50.06%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of motor crime rate in Keokuk from 2012 to 2022
Keokuk is an area in Lee, Iowa with population of 9,977.
The motor crime rate in Keokuk is based on the nearest law agency agency, Keokuk Police Department (IA0560200).
Keokuk motor crime rate is 368 per 100,000 population, compared to Iowa average of 160.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Keokuk
Factors Influencing Crime Rates in Iowa
Safety Tips for Motor 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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