| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ames/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,082 | n/a (estimate) | 1,654 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 46 | n/a | 70.3 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 7.6 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 46 | n/a | 70.3 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 97 | n/a (estimate) | 148 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 113 | n/a | 172.7 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 814 | n/a | 1,244.2 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 58 | n/a | 88.6 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 985 | n/a (estimate) | 1,506 | 1,297 | 1,760 |
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 22%. Specifically, there were 97 violent crimes in Ames, equivalent to 148 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 58.7%. Furthermore, Ames recorded 985 property crimes, amounting to 1506 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 14.5%.
In the latest reported crime year, Ames 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.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Ames residents. Out of the respondents (44 in total), 73% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Ames were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 27% 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? 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 22%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.96 daily incidents, encompassing 0.27 violent crimes and 2.7 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.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Ames. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Ames has increased by 7.3%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 21.1%, while property crime has increased by 11.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape 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 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 Ames is $385,599, compared to a national average of $326,622.
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 Ames, the average monthly rent stands at $1,453, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Ames | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 75 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.3 | 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 |
| Woodward, IA | 1,280 | 146 | 146 | 293 |
| Gilbert, IA | 1,119 | 47 | 250 | 297 |
| Slater, IA | 1,508 | 66 | 351 | 416 |
| Roland, IA | 1,411 | 74 | 396 | 470 |
| Madrid, IA | 2,660 | 90 | 479 | 569 |
| Huxley, IA | 4,000 | 21 | 590 | 611 |
| Alleman, IA | 447 | 99 | 527 | 626 |
| Ames, IA | 68,047 | 148 | 1,506 | 1,654 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lakeville, MN | 67,943 | 76 | 571 | 648 |
| Eagan, MN | 68,193 | 103 | 1,770 | 1,873 |
| Auburn, AL | 67,890 | 107 | 979 | 1,086 |
| Shawnee, KS | 67,767 | 277 | 1,772 | 2,049 |
| West Des Moines, IA | 68,345 | 165 | 1,714 | 1,879 |
| Ames, IA | 68,047 | 148 | 1,506 | 1,654 |
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