| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Denison/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 76 | n/a (estimate) | 946 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 12.4 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 9 | n/a | 112.0 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 124 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 7 | n/a | 87.1 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 51 | n/a | 634.6 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 99.5 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 66 | n/a (estimate) | 821 | 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 Denison crime rate is lower than the national average by 55.4%. Specifically, there were 10 violent crimes in Denison, equivalent to 124 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 65.4%. Furthermore, Denison recorded 66 property crimes, amounting to 821 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 53.3%.
Denison showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
Is Denison a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Denison has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 55%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.21 daily incidents, encompassing 0.03 violent crimes and 0.18 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Denison as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Denison. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Denison has decreased by 10.6%. Violent crimes have decreased by 23.1%, while property crimes have decreased by 8.3%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Denison crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Denison has an unemployment rate of 4.9%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Denison crime rates. The population density in Denison is 1321.2 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
Denison has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.14 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.

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| Item | Denison | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 18 | 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 |
| Manning, IA | 1,603 | 89 | 473 | 562 |
| Dunlap, IA | 1,246 | 106 | 567 | 674 |
| Westside, IA | 258 | 253 | 1,352 | 1,606 |
| Schleswig, IA | 1,015 | 286 | 1,526 | 1,812 |
| Buck Grove, IA | 36 | 291 | 1,554 | 1,845 |
| Dow City, IA | 449 | 309 | 1,648 | 1,957 |
| Manilla, IA | 849 | 316 | 1,689 | 2,006 |
| Denison, IA | 8,630 | 124 | 821 | 946 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mascoutah, IL | 8,629 | 45 | 345 | 390 |
| Harwood Heights, IL | 8,628 | 118 | 1,282 | 1,399 |
| Half Moon, NC | 8,633 | 359 | 1,877 | 2,235 |
| Virginia, MN | 8,634 | 412 | 2,145 | 2,557 |
| Millersville, PA | 8,625 | 10 | 470 | 480 |
| Denison, IA | 8,630 | 124 | 821 | 946 |