| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Creston/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 96 | n/a (estimate) | 1,307 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 68.1 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 13.6 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 14 | n/a | 190.6 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 20 | n/a (estimate) | 272 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 13 | n/a | 177.0 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 54 | n/a | 735.2 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 9 | n/a | 122.5 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 76 | n/a (estimate) | 1,035 | 1,297 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Creston is 38.3% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Creston, there were 20 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 272 per 100,000 individuals, 24.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 76 property crimes, amounting to 1035 per 100,000 residents, 41.2% lower than the U.S. average.
During the most recently reported crime year, Creston 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.
To determine if Creston is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Creston has a total crime rate that is 38% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.26 daily crimes (0.05 violent daily crimes and 0.21 daily property crimes) in Creston.
Year-over-year crime rates in Creston has decreased by 36% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Creston is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 46%, while property crime has decreased by 32.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Creston.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Creston currently has an unemployment rate of 1.5%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Creston, 88.8% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Creston, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.78, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

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| Item | Creston | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 14 | 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 |
| Lenox, IA | 1,502 | 100 | 535 | 635 |
| Afton, IA | 929 | 314 | 1,678 | 1,992 |
| Macksburg, IA | 99 | 315 | 1,682 | 1,997 |
| Tingley, IA | 107 | 315 | 1,684 | 1,999 |
| Orient, IA | 450 | 316 | 1,685 | 2,000 |
| Cromwell, IA | 73 | 316 | 1,688 | 2,004 |
| Shannon City, IA | 111 | 352 | 1,877 | 2,229 |
| Creston, IA | 8,021 | 272 | 1,035 | 1,307 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bloomfield, NM | 8,020 | 709 | 1,460 | 2,169 |
| Aspen, CO | 8,019 | 139 | 3,005 | 3,144 |
| Austell, GA | 8,019 | 320 | 1,642 | 1,962 |
| Ripley, TN | 8,025 | 1,743 | 2,152 | 3,894 |
| Ashland, VA | 8,026 | 595 | 2,100 | 2,695 |
| Creston, IA | 8,021 | 272 | 1,035 | 1,307 |