| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Cresco/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 9 | n/a (estimate) | 231 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 25.7 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 77.0 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 103 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 2 | n/a | 51.3 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 3 | n/a | 77.0 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 128 | 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 Cresco is 89.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 4 violent crimes reported in Cresco, equivalent to 103 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 71.4%. Additionally, Cresco recorded 5 property crimes, amounting to 128 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 92.7%.
Boasting a crime rate of 231, well below the national average of 2119, Cresco emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Cresco to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.
Cresco distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 103 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Cresco among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
During the most recently reported crime year, Cresco 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.
Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Cresco maintains a property crime rate of 128 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Cresco as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. Cresco was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Cresco, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Cresco presents a total crime rate that is 89% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Cresco experiences an average of 0.02 daily crimes, comprising 0.01 violent incidents and 0.01 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Cresco has a population density of 1145.2 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Cresco crime rates.
Cresco has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.8 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.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Cresco are $1,110, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Cresco | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 7 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| Harmony, MN | 1,070 | 104 | 649 | 753 |
| Calmar, IA | 1,011 | 230 | 1,230 | 1,460 |
| Ridgeway, IA | 263 | 277 | 1,476 | 1,753 |
| Burr Oak, IA | 206 | 282 | 1,503 | 1,785 |
| Spillville, IA | 438 | 285 | 1,523 | 1,808 |
| Lime Springs, IA | 648 | 298 | 1,593 | 1,891 |
| Protivin, IA | 385 | 315 | 1,680 | 1,995 |
| Cresco, IA | 3,834 | 103 | 128 | 231 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Glen Raven, NC | 3,834 | 167 | 875 | 1,042 |
| Larned, KS | 3,834 | 384 | 1,043 | 1,427 |
| McGehee, AR | 3,835 | 334 | 1,115 | 1,449 |
| Oneida, TN | 3,833 | 366 | 1,386 | 1,753 |
| Marlboro Meadows, MD | 3,836 | 201 | 979 | 1,180 |
| Cresco, IA | 3,834 | 103 | 128 | 231 |