A+
89%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
71%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
93%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleCresco/100k peopleIowa/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime9n/a (estimate)2311,5402,119
Murder0n/a0.02.15.0
Rape1n/a25.735.237.5
Robbery0n/a0.018.760.6
Assault3n/a77.0187.2256.1
Violent crime4n/a (estimate)103243359
Burglary2n/a51.3199.1229.2
Theft3n/a77.0962.61,272.1
Vehicle theft0n/a0.0135.1258.8
Property crime5n/a (estimate)1281,2971,760

Cresco crime map

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The Cresco crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Cresco as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Cresco crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Cresco crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Cresco, IA

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.

Is Cresco a Safe Place to Live?

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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Cresco

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.

Compare Cresco, IA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Cresco crime rates are 89% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Cresco are 71% lower than the national average
      • In Cresco you have a 1 in 433 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Cresco is safer than 81% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Cresco has decreased by 77%

      Cresco, IA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Cresco (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Cresco on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of Iowa and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Cresco (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Iowa, are 6.67 times less than the state average and 9.17 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Cresco on a daily basis are 2.37 times less than than Iowa average and 3.50 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Cresco are 10.10 times less than the daily state average and 13.71 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Cresco (higher is better)

        When comparing the safety of Cresco to every other city in Iowa, as well as the entirety of the United States, is Cresco safe? The gauges above illustrate that Cresco is safer than 77% of every city located within Iowa along with 81% of the all the cities located in the United States. The results of these graphs are created after analyzing each of the cities in Iowa and in the United States as a whole. As a result, Cresco, IA is ranked above average when compared to the rest of the US cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Cresco

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Cresco is 1 in 974
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Cresco is 1 in 779
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Cresco is 1 in 433
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Cresco? In Cresco, you have a 1 in 974 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 779. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Cresco, IA is 1 in 433.

        Year Over Year Crime In Cresco (per 100,000 people)

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in Cresco, Iowa (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in Cresco has decreased by 36%, the amount of property crime in Cresco has decreased by 85%, and the total amount of crime in Cresco has decreased by 77% year over year.

        Cresco police department

        Item Cresco Iowa National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)73,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.81.83.3
        There are a total of 7 Cresco police officers. This results in 1.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 0.1% greater than the Iowa average and 44.6% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Iowa

        State Total offenders Iowa /100K National /100K
        Iowa6,040205266
        There are a total of 6,040 sex offenders in Iowa. This yields a total of 205 sex offenders in Iowa per 100,000 residents which is 23% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Harmony, MN1,070104649753
        Calmar, IA1,0112301,2301,460
        Ridgeway, IA2632771,4761,753
        Burr Oak, IA2062821,5031,785
        Spillville, IA4382851,5231,808
        Lime Springs, IA6482981,5931,891
        Protivin, IA3853151,6801,995
        Cresco, IA3,834103128231

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Glen Raven, NC3,8341678751,042
        Larned, KS3,8343841,0431,427
        McGehee, AR3,8353341,1151,449
        Oneida, TN3,8333661,3861,753
        Marlboro Meadows, MD3,8362019791,180
        Cresco, IA3,834103128231
        Source: The Cresco, IA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.