| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Centerville/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 70 | n/a (estimate) | 1,315 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 56.4 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 18.8 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 10 | n/a | 187.9 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 14 | n/a (estimate) | 263 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 10 | n/a | 187.9 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 43 | n/a | 807.8 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 56.4 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 56 | n/a (estimate) | 1,052 | 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 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.
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.
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.
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.

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| Item | Centerville | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 15 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 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 |
| Moravia, IA | 621 | 309 | 1,650 | 1,959 |
| Udell, IA | 38 | 313 | 1,668 | 1,981 |
| Rathbun, IA | 43 | 325 | 1,735 | 2,061 |
| Cincinnati, IA | 275 | 339 | 1,811 | 2,150 |
| Seymour, IA | 533 | 342 | 1,823 | 2,165 |
| Plano, IA | 55 | 343 | 1,833 | 2,177 |
| Numa, IA | 81 | 352 | 1,880 | 2,232 |
| Centerville, IA | 5,579 | 263 | 1,052 | 1,315 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Breckenridge, TX | 5,582 | 468 | 1,444 | 1,912 |
| East Porterville, CA | 5,576 | 632 | 2,703 | 3,335 |
| Marksville, LA | 5,575 | 1,848 | 3,570 | 5,418 |
| Eagleville, PA | 5,575 | 122 | 711 | 833 |
| Holdrege, NE | 5,575 | 180 | 1,331 | 1,511 |
| Centerville, IA | 5,579 | 263 | 1,052 | 1,315 |