| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Red Oak/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 106 | n/a (estimate) | 1,904 | 1,618 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 143.7 | 42.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 21.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 12 | n/a | 215.5 | 220.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 20 | n/a (estimate) | 359 | 287 | 370 |
| Burglary | 25 | n/a | 449.0 | 218.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 49 | n/a | 880.0 | 965.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | n/a | 215.5 | 147.4 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 86 | n/a (estimate) | 1,545 | 1,332 | 1,954 |
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 Red Oak crime rate is lower than the national average by 18.1%. Specifically, there were 20 violent crimes in Red Oak, equivalent to 359 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 2.9%. Furthermore, Red Oak recorded 86 property crimes, amounting to 1545 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 21%.
When it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, Red Oak maintains a rate that is very similar to the national average. With 359 reported violent crimes, it falls in line with the national average of 370. This alignment suggests that Red Oak shares a similar crime profile with other cities, highlighting its comparable level of safety within the broader urban landscape.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Red Oak reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
Is Red Oak 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, Red Oak has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 18%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.29 daily incidents, encompassing 0.05 violent crimes and 0.24 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Red Oak as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime rates in Red Oak has increased by 21.8% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Red Oak is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 33.3%, while property crime has increased by 19.4%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Red Oak.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Red Oak crime rate. The poverty level in Red Oak is 14.3%, while the national average is 15.1%.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Red Oak crime rates. Red Oak registers a population density of 1355.9 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Red Oak, the cost of living is 18.64% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
| Item | Red Oak | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 14 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Iowa /100K | National /100K |
| Iowa | 6,040 | 205 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Villisca, IA | 1,162 | 144 | 673 | 817 |
| Stanton, IA | 627 | 340 | 1,584 | 1,924 |
| Macedonia, IA | 214 | 362 | 1,686 | 2,048 |
| Emerson, IA | 462 | 383 | 1,783 | 2,165 |
| Henderson, IA | 213 | 384 | 1,787 | 2,171 |
| Essex, IA | 772 | 384 | 1,791 | 2,175 |
| Elliott, IA | 539 | 419 | 1,949 | 2,368 |
| Red Oak, IA | 5,323 | 359 | 1,545 | 1,904 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Montgomery, GA | 5,323 | 215 | 992 | 1,208 |
| Churchville, PA | 5,323 | 73 | 385 | 458 |
| Iola, KS | 5,322 | 830 | 3,923 | 4,753 |
| Glenwood, IA | 5,325 | 346 | 885 | 1,232 |
| Strawberry, CA | 5,325 | 163 | 762 | 925 |
| Red Oak, IA | 5,323 | 359 | 1,545 | 1,904 |
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