| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Charles City/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 83 | n/a (estimate) | 1,156 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 13.9 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 22 | n/a | 306.5 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 23 | n/a (estimate) | 320 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 18 | n/a | 250.8 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 38 | n/a | 529.5 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 55.7 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 60 | n/a (estimate) | 836 | 1,297 | 1,760 |

The Charles City crime rates are 45.4% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 23 violent crimes in Charles City (320 per 100,000 people), which is 10.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 60 property crimes (836 per 100,000 residents) which is 52.5% lower than average.
The violent crime rate in Charles City closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 320 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 359. This consistency highlights Charles City as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
Charles City showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
To determine if Charles City 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. Charles City has a total crime rate that is 45% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.23 daily crimes (0.06 violent daily crimes and 0.16 daily property crimes) in Charles City.
Year-over-year crime rates in Charles City has decreased by 35.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Charles City is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 4.6%, while property crime has decreased by 43.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Charles City.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Charles City, 82.3% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
Charles City has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.77 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
The median home price in Charles City is $165,491, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

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| Item | Charles City | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 21 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 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 |
| Greene, IA | 1,221 | 97 | 518 | 615 |
| Nashua, IA | 1,480 | 99 | 528 | 627 |
| Colwell, IA | 62 | 232 | 1,239 | 1,471 |
| Rockford, IA | 860 | 268 | 1,429 | 1,696 |
| Floyd, IA | 320 | 269 | 1,437 | 1,706 |
| Bassett, IA | 43 | 272 | 1,451 | 1,723 |
| Ionia, IA | 304 | 279 | 1,487 | 1,766 |
| Charles City, IA | 7,624 | 320 | 836 | 1,156 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ben Lomond, CA | 7,624 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| Hubbard, OH | 7,622 | 185 | 1,298 | 1,483 |
| Hillcrest, NY | 7,628 | 233 | 1,054 | 1,286 |
| DuBois, PA | 7,628 | 207 | 1,404 | 1,611 |
| Chesterland, OH | 7,616 | 103 | 542 | 645 |
| Charles City, IA | 7,624 | 320 | 836 | 1,156 |