B
17%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
42%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
12%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peoplePreston/100k peopleIowa/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime18n/a (estimate)1,9251,6182,324
Murder0n/a0.01.76.3
Rape0n/a0.042.540.0
Robbery0n/a0.021.666.1
Assault2n/a213.9220.7268.2
Violent crime2n/a (estimate)214287370
Burglary4n/a427.8218.6269.8
Theft12n/a1,283.4965.41,401.9
Vehicle theft0n/a0.0147.4282.7
Property crime16n/a (estimate)1,7111,3321,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Preston, IA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Preston crime rate is 17.2% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Preston, there were 2 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 214 per 100,000 individuals, 42.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, Preston recorded 16 property crimes, amounting to 1711 per 100,000 residents, 12.4% lower than the U.S. average.

In the latest reported crime year, Preston recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

In the most recent release, Preston reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Preston, there were 1711 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.

The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. Preston was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.

Is Preston a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Preston a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Preston crime rate is 17% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.05 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.04 property crimes.

Potential Causes for Crime in Preston

Preston has a population density of 1176.4 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Preston crime rates.

The median home price in Preston is $133,400, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

Preston has an average rental rate of $717 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Preston crime map



The Preston crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Preston as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Preston crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Preston crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Crime Quick Facts

  • Preston crime rates are 17% lower than the national average
  • Violent crimes in Preston are 42% lower than the national average
  • In Preston you have a 1 in 52 chance of becoming a victim of crime
  • Preston is safer than 46% of the cities in the United States
  • Year over year crime in Preston has increased by 132%

Preston, IA Crime Quiz

     

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        Daily Crime In Preston (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Preston (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Preston

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Preston is 1 in 468
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Preston is 1 in 59
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Preston is 1 in 52

        Year Over Year Crime In Preston (per 100,000 people)

        Preston police department

        Item Preston Iowa National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)n/a3,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residentsn/a1.83.3

        Sex offenders in Iowa

        State Total offenders Iowa /100K National /100K
        Iowa6,040205266
        There are a total of 6,040 sex offenders in Iowa. This yields a total of 205 sex offenders in Iowa per 100,000 residents which is 23% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Fulton, IL3,255166416582
        Bellevue, IA2,082126588715
        Savanna, IL2,9241649601,123
        Springbrook, IA1273251,5151,840
        Goose Lake, IA2983311,5421,873
        Miles, IA3883341,5541,888
        Welton, IA1503381,5761,914
        Preston, IA1,0132141,7111,925

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Yorkville, OH1,013136828964
        Lakeview, WA1,0135504,9135,463
        Central City, PA1,013144764909
        Coffeeville, MS1,013111789900
        Alleghenyville, PA1,01342223265
        Preston, IA1,0132141,7111,925
        Source: The Preston, IA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.