B
38%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
27%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
40%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleCenterville/100k peopleIowa/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime70n/a (estimate)1,3151,5402,119
Murder0n/a0.02.15.0
Rape3n/a56.435.237.5
Robbery1n/a18.818.760.6
Assault10n/a187.9187.2256.1
Violent crime14n/a (estimate)263243359
Burglary10n/a187.9199.1229.2
Theft43n/a807.8962.61,272.1
Vehicle theft3n/a56.4135.1258.8
Property crime56n/a (estimate)1,0521,2971,760

Centerville crime map

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The Centerville crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Centerville 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 Centerville crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Centerville 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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An Overview of Crime Rates in Centerville, IA

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 Centerville is 38% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 14 violent crimes reported in Centerville, equivalent to 263 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 26.8%. Additionally, Centerville recorded 56 property crimes, amounting to 1052 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 40.2%.

During the most recently reported crime year, Centerville experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

Is Centerville a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Centerville is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Centerville has a total crime rate that is 38% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.19 daily crimes (0.04 violent daily crimes and 0.15 daily property crimes) in Centerville.

Has Crime in Centerville Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Centerville has decreased by 37.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Centerville, 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 increased by 16.7%, while property crime has decreased by 44%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Centerville is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Centerville

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 Centerville crime rates. For instance, in Centerville, the population density stands at 1157.4 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Centerville, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.72 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Centerville has a median home price of $132,699, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Compare Centerville, IA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Centerville crime rates are 38% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Centerville are 27% lower than the national average
      • In Centerville you have a 1 in 77 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Centerville is safer than 41% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Centerville has decreased by 50%

      Centerville, IA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Centerville (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Centerville on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of Iowa and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Centerville (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Iowa, are 1.17 times less than the state average and 1.61 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Centerville on a daily basis are 1.08 times more than than Iowa average and 1.37 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Centerville are 1.23 times less than the daily state average and 1.67 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Centerville (higher is better)

        Is Centerville safe in comparison to other cities in the state of Iowa as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Centerville to other cities in the state and across the country, Centerville is 32% safer than other cities of Iowa and 41% safer than other cities in the nation. Centerville has a ranks below average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Centerville

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Centerville is 1 in 381
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Centerville is 1 in 96
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Centerville is 1 in 77
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Centerville? In Centerville, you have a 1 in 381 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 96. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Centerville, IA is 1 in 77.

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

        Determining whether Centerville is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Centerville violent crime rates have decreased by 47%. At the same time, property crime has decreased by 51% year over year. Total crimes for Centerville has decreased by 50% in the same time frame.

        Centerville police department

        Item Centerville Iowa National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)153,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.71.83.3
        There are a total of 15 Centerville police officers. This results in 2.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 51% greater than the Iowa average and 16.3% 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
        Moravia, IA6213091,6501,959
        Udell, IA383131,6681,981
        Rathbun, IA433251,7352,061
        Cincinnati, IA2753391,8112,150
        Seymour, IA5333421,8232,165
        Plano, IA553431,8332,177
        Numa, IA813521,8802,232
        Centerville, IA5,5792631,0521,315

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Breckenridge, TX5,5824681,4441,912
        East Porterville, CA5,5766322,7033,335
        Marksville, LA5,5751,8483,5705,418
        Eagleville, PA5,575122711833
        Holdrege, NE5,5751801,3311,511
        Centerville, IA5,5792631,0521,315
        Source: The Centerville, IA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. 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.