Ames, IA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Ames, IA

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Ames crime rate is lower than the national average by 35.5%. Specifically, there were 146 violent crimes in Ames, equivalent to 218 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 40.9%. Furthermore, Ames recorded 857 property crimes, amounting to 1282 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 34.4%.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Ames?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Ames residents. Out of the respondents (42 in total), 71% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Ames were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 29% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Ames a Safe Place to Live?

Is Ames a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Ames has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 35%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.75 daily incidents, encompassing 0.4 violent crimes and 2.35 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Ames as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Ames Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Ames crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Ames has decreased by 0.5% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 18.7% and property crime has decreased by 3.2%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Ames

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Ames crime rates. In Ames, the poverty rate stands at 26.6%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

In Ames, 96% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Ames, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.27, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

Ames crime map