| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Clear Lake/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 142 | n/a (estimate) | 1,884 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 53.1 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 15 | n/a | 199.0 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 19 | n/a (estimate) | 252 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 14 | n/a | 185.8 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 98 | n/a | 1,300.4 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 11 | n/a | 146.0 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 123 | n/a (estimate) | 1,632 | 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 Clear Lake is 11.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 19 violent crimes reported in Clear Lake, equivalent to 252 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 29.8%. Additionally, Clear Lake recorded 123 property crimes, amounting to 1632 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 7.3%.
The Clear Lake crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Clear Lake, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.
During the most recently reported crime year, Clear Lake 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.
Clear Lake maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Clear Lake, 1632 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.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Clear Lake, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Clear Lake presents a total crime rate that is 11% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Clear Lake experiences an average of 0.39 daily crimes, comprising 0.05 violent incidents and 0.34 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
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 Clear Lake 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 Clear Lake has decreased by 26.8% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 9.5% and property crime has decreased by 28.9%.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Clear Lake, the cost of living is 3.51% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In Clear Lake, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.7 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
In Clear Lake, the median home price stands at $324,932, 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 | Clear Lake | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 21 | 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 |
| Manly, IA | 1,533 | 101 | 538 | 639 |
| Garner, IA | 3,134 | 114 | 607 | 720 |
| Ventura, IA | 783 | 163 | 871 | 1,035 |
| Forest City, IA | 4,267 | 196 | 1,048 | 1,244 |
| Rockwell, IA | 890 | 258 | 1,377 | 1,635 |
| Rock Falls, IA | 167 | 265 | 1,416 | 1,682 |
| Fertile, IA | 304 | 272 | 1,450 | 1,722 |
| Clear Lake, IA | 7,775 | 252 | 1,632 | 1,884 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Kenwood, OH | 7,774 | 103 | 544 | 647 |
| Belen, NM | 7,771 | 1,159 | 4,235 | 5,394 |
| Meridianville, AL | 7,766 | 184 | 801 | 985 |
| Robinwood, MD | 7,766 | 354 | 1,727 | 2,081 |
| Brook Highland, AL | 7,784 | 126 | 549 | 675 |
| Clear Lake, IA | 7,775 | 252 | 1,632 | 1,884 |