| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Burlington/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 525 | n/a (estimate) | 2,239 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 8.5 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 9 | n/a | 38.4 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 17.1 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 82 | n/a | 349.8 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 97 | n/a (estimate) | 414 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 64 | n/a | 273.0 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 318 | n/a | 1,356.4 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 46 | n/a | 196.2 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 428 | n/a (estimate) | 1,826 | 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 Burlington crime rate is higher than the national average by 5.7%. Specifically, there were 97 violent crimes in Burlington, equivalent to 414 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 15.2%. Furthermore, Burlington recorded 428 property crimes, amounting to 1826 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 3.7%.
When evaluating the Burlington crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Burlington crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.
Burlington maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Burlington, 1826 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Burlington. Based on the results of the surveys (129 responses), 43% of people felt that there was very little crime in Burlington and felt safe walking alone at night. While 57% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Burlington 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, Burlington has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 6%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.44 daily incidents, encompassing 0.27 violent crimes and 1.17 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Burlington as a potential place to call home.
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 Burlington 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 Burlington has decreased by 41.7% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 29.2% and property crime has decreased by 43.9%.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Burlington crime rates. For instance, in Burlington, the population density stands at 1774.4 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Burlington, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.1, 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.
Burlington has an average rental rate of $1,236 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. 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.
| Item | Burlington | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 54 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 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 |
| Mediapolis, IA | 2,178 | 93 | 497 | 590 |
| New London, IA | 2,520 | 120 | 638 | 758 |
| Dallas City, IL | 1,093 | 137 | 815 | 953 |
| Denmark, IA | 516 | 152 | 810 | 962 |
| Stronghurst, IL | 1,100 | 143 | 849 | 992 |
| Oquawka, IL | 1,389 | 146 | 866 | 1,012 |
| Biggsville, IL | 452 | 180 | 1,070 | 1,250 |
| Burlington, IA | 25,653 | 414 | 1,826 | 2,239 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ardmore, OK | 25,666 | 1,141 | 3,106 | 4,247 |
| North Laurel, MD | 25,634 | 329 | 1,604 | 1,932 |
| Muskego, WI | 25,672 | 12 | 1,532 | 1,544 |
| Paris, TX | 25,634 | 621 | 2,706 | 3,327 |
| Decatur, GA | 25,677 | 133 | 2,269 | 2,401 |
| Burlington, IA | 25,653 | 414 | 1,826 | 2,239 |