| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Carter Lake/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 199 | n/a (estimate) | 5,308 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 26.7 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 106.7 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 16 | n/a | 426.8 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 21 | n/a (estimate) | 560 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 33 | n/a | 880.2 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 124 | n/a | 3,307.6 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 21 | n/a | 560.1 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 178 | n/a (estimate) | 4,748 | 1,297 | 1,760 |

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Carter Lake is 150.5% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 21 violent crimes reported in Carter Lake, equivalent to 560 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 56%. Additionally, Carter Lake recorded 178 property crimes, amounting to 4748 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 169.8%.
Having a crime rate of 5308 per 100,000 residents, Carter Lake experiences a crime rate that is 150.48% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Carter Lake contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Carter Lake 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.
Carter Lake faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 4748 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Carter Lake stands at 1 in 22, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
With a total of 21 vehicle thefts last year, Carter Lake has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 560 per 100,000 people. This lands Carter Lake in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 179.
Determining whether Carter Lake 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, Carter Lake has an overall crime rate that is 150% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.55 daily occurrences, comprising 0.06 violent crimes and 0.49 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Carter Lake as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Carter Lake. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Carter Lake has increased by 23.6%. Violent crimes have decreased by 34.4%, while property crimes have increased by 38%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
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 Carter Lake crime rates. Carter Lake registers a population density of 2081.6 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Carter Lake, the cost of living is 12.53% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
In Carter Lake, the median home price stands at $206,355, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Carter Lake | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 10 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 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 |
| Bennington, NE | 2,124 | 42 | 314 | 356 |
| Springfield, NE | 1,628 | 62 | 461 | 523 |
| Crescent, IA | 777 | 144 | 771 | 915 |
| Papillion, NE | 24,905 | 34 | 1,004 | 1,038 |
| McClelland, IA | 184 | 177 | 945 | 1,122 |
| Bellevue, NE | 65,626 | 99 | 1,132 | 1,231 |
| La Vista, NE | 17,506 | 49 | 1,185 | 1,234 |
| Carter Lake, IA | 3,891 | 560 | 4,748 | 5,308 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Val Verde Park, TX | 3,891 | 260 | 1,363 | 1,623 |
| Buckhead, GA | 3,891 | 62 | 319 | 381 |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA | 3,890 | 130 | 1,987 | 2,117 |
| Cozad, NE | 3,889 | 102 | 306 | 408 |
| Fordyce, AR | 3,889 | 787 | 3,368 | 4,155 |
| Carter Lake, IA | 3,891 | 560 | 4,748 | 5,308 |