A-
39%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
50%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
37%
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 peopleAltoona/100k peopleIowa/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime310n/a (estimate)1,4201,6182,324
Murder0n/a0.01.76.3
Rape2n/a9.242.540.0
Robbery3n/a13.721.666.1
Assault35n/a160.3220.7268.2
Violent crime40n/a (estimate)183287370
Burglary12n/a55.0218.6269.8
Theft230n/a1,053.6965.41,401.9
Vehicle theft28n/a128.3147.4282.7
Property crime270n/a (estimate)1,2371,3321,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Altoona, IA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Altoona crime rate is 38.9% 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 Altoona, there were 40 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 183 per 100,000 individuals, 50.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, Altoona recorded 270 property crimes, amounting to 1237 per 100,000 residents, 36.7% lower than the U.S. average.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Altoona 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Altoona?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Altoona residents. Out of the respondents (5 in total), 0% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Altoona were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 100% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Altoona a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Altoona is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Altoona has an overall crime rate that is 39% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.85 daily occurrences, comprising 0.11 violent crimes and 0.74 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Altoona as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Altoona Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Altoona has decreased by 28.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Altoona, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 25.9%, while property crime has decreased by 28.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Altoona is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Altoona

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Altoona, the cost of living is 8.4% lower than the national average.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Altoona is $199,600, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Altoona, the average monthly rent stands at $1,027, while the national average is $949 per month.

Altoona crime map



The Altoona crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Altoona 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 Altoona crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Altoona 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

  • Altoona crime rates are 39% lower than the national average
  • Violent crimes in Altoona are 50% lower than the national average
  • In Altoona you have a 1 in 71 chance of becoming a victim of crime
  • Altoona is safer than 56% of the cities in the United States
  • Year over year crime in Altoona has decreased by 34%

Altoona, IA Crime Quiz

     

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        Daily Crime In Altoona (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Altoona for every 100,000 residents. The Altoona total amount of daily crime is 1.14 times less than the Iowa average and 1.64 times less than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Altoona, is 1.56 times less than the Iowa average, and it is 2.02 times less than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Altoona has a daily crime average that is 1.08 times less than the Iowa average and 1.58 times less than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Altoona (higher is better)

        How safe is Altoona, Iowa compared to other cities in Iowa and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Altoona is safer than 67% of the cities in Iowa and 56% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in Iowa and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Altoona. Overall, Altoona is ranked above average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Altoona

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Altoona is 1 in 546
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Altoona is 1 in 81
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Altoona is 1 in 71
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in Altoona? If you reside in Altoona, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 546. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 81 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Altoona, is 1 in 71.

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

        An ideal indicator of whether Altoona is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in Altoona has decreased by 32% and the rate of property crime in Altoona has decreased by 34%. The total crime rate in Altoona has decreased by 34% year to year.

        Altoona police department

        Item Altoona Iowa National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)253,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.71.83.3
        There are a total of 25 Altoona police officers. This results in 1.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 6.4% less than the Iowa average and 48.2% less than the National average.

        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
        Norwalk, IA11,46756210266
        Polk City, IA4,79768287355
        Saylorville, IA2,743102473575
        Prairie City, IA1,827106495601
        Cumming, IA536116538654
        Johnston, IA22,07770650720
        Mitchellville, IA2,382130604733
        Altoona, IA18,9171831,2371,420

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Shelbyville, IN18,9183591,5241,883
        Westbrook, ME18,9351781,0511,229
        World Golf Village, FL18,9371458781,024
        Whitehall, OH18,9448516,0326,883
        North Amityville, NY18,8905372,1562,693
        Altoona, IA18,9171831,2371,420
        Source: The Altoona, 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.