| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Council Bluffs/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,789 | n/a (estimate) | 2,873 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 3.2 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 45 | n/a | 72.3 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 44 | n/a | 70.7 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 171 | n/a | 274.6 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 262 | n/a (estimate) | 421 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 303 | n/a | 486.6 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,018 | n/a | 1,634.8 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 206 | n/a | 330.8 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,527 | n/a (estimate) | 2,452 | 1,297 | 1,760 |
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 35.6%. Specifically, there were 262 violent crimes in Council Bluffs, equivalent to 421 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 17.2%. Furthermore, Council Bluffs recorded 1527 property crimes, amounting to 2452 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 39.3%.
What do the local residents think about crime in Council Bluffs? Well, based on a recent survey of 71 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 23% of Council Bluffs residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 77% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
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 36% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 4.9 crimes per day - 0.72 violent crimes and 4.18 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 23.9% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 17% and property crime has decreased by 28.2%.
Council Bluffs reports an unemployment rate of 3.3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Council Bluffs crime rates.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Council Bluffs crime rates. Council Bluffs registers a population density of 1488.1 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
The median home price in Council Bluffs is $215,768, 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.
| 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 |
| Springfield, NE | 1,628 | 62 | 461 | 523 |
| Neola, IA | 1,078 | 88 | 470 | 559 |
| Glenwood, IA | 5,514 | 57 | 671 | 728 |
| Cedar Creek, NE | 408 | 89 | 657 | 746 |
| Crescent, IA | 777 | 144 | 771 | 915 |
| Papillion, NE | 24,905 | 34 | 1,004 | 1,038 |
| McClelland, IA | 184 | 177 | 945 | 1,122 |
| Council Bluffs, IA | 63,786 | 421 | 2,452 | 2,873 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Palm Harbor, FL | 63,813 | 178 | 948 | 1,126 |
| Reston, VA | 63,840 | 100 | 722 | 822 |
| Pico Rivera, CA | 63,899 | 468 | 2,017 | 2,485 |
| Burnsville, MN | 63,628 | 210 | 1,889 | 2,098 |
| Hamilton, OH | 64,032 | 313 | 2,057 | 2,370 |
| Council Bluffs, IA | 63,786 | 421 | 2,452 | 2,873 |
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