| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Council Bluffs/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,186 | n/a (estimate) | 3,514 | 1,721 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 3.2 | 2.5 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 43 | n/a | 69.1 | 41.3 | 38.0 |
| Robbery | 45 | n/a | 72.3 | 22.3 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 189 | n/a | 303.8 | 213.9 | 264.1 |
| Violent crime | 279 | n/a (estimate) | 448 | 280 | 364 |
| Burglary | 376 | n/a | 604.4 | 218.6 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 1,219 | n/a | 1,959.4 | 1,056.8 | 1,347.2 |
| Vehicle theft | 312 | n/a | 501.5 | 165.2 | 318.7 |
| Property crime | 1,907 | n/a (estimate) | 3,065 | 1,441 | 1,917 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Council Bluffs crime rate is higher than the national average by 47.3%. Specifically, there were 262 violent crimes in Council Bluffs, equivalent to 421 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 13.9%. Furthermore, Council Bluffs recorded 1867 property crimes, amounting to 3001 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 53.6%.
Council Bluffs exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 421 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 370. This uniformity underscores Council Bluffs as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Council Bluffs faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 318 vehicle thefts, translating to 511 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Council Bluffs in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 196.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Council Bluffs residents. Out of the respondents (68 in total), 24% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Council Bluffs were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 76% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Council Bluffs a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Council Bluffs crime rate is 47% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 5.83 crimes per day - 0.72 violent crimes and 5.12 property crimes.
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 Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs has decreased by 9.4% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 17% and property crime has decreased by 12.2%.
In Council Bluffs, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.2%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Council Bluffs crime rates.
Council Bluffs has a population density of 1451.9 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Council Bluffs crime rates.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Council Bluffs, the average monthly rent stands at $860, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | Council Bluffs | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 131 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 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 |
| Neola, IA | 1,055 | 102 | 523 | 624 |
| Springfield, NE | 1,582 | 65 | 559 | 625 |
| Cedar Creek, NE | 396 | 93 | 798 | 891 |
| Crescent, IA | 753 | 166 | 856 | 1,023 |
| Glenwood, IA | 5,325 | 251 | 849 | 1,100 |
| McClelland, IA | 178 | 204 | 1,050 | 1,254 |
| Treynor, IA | 942 | 206 | 1,061 | 1,267 |
| Council Bluffs, IA | 62,376 | 448 | 3,065 | 3,514 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Doral, FL | 62,367 | 137 | 1,665 | 1,802 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | 62,417 | 312 | 1,405 | 1,717 |
| North Miami, FL | 62,468 | 301 | 1,576 | 1,877 |
| Pico Rivera, CA | 62,507 | 507 | 2,507 | 3,014 |
| Grand Junction, CO | 62,218 | 505 | 3,192 | 3,697 |
| Council Bluffs, IA | 62,376 | 448 | 3,065 | 3,514 |
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