| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Fairfield/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 161 | n/a (estimate) | 1,670 | 1,618 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 41.5 | 42.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 20.7 | 21.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 21 | n/a | 217.8 | 220.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 27 | n/a (estimate) | 280 | 287 | 370 |
| Burglary | 43 | n/a | 446.0 | 218.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 83 | n/a | 860.9 | 965.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 83.0 | 147.4 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 134 | n/a (estimate) | 1,390 | 1,332 | 1,954 |
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 Fairfield crime rate is lower than the national average by 28.2%. Specifically, there were 27 violent crimes in Fairfield, equivalent to 280 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 24.3%. Furthermore, Fairfield recorded 134 property crimes, amounting to 1390 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 28.9%.
During the most recently reported crime year, Fairfield 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.
What do the local residents think about crime in Fairfield? Well, based on a recent survey of 6 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 50% of Fairfield residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 50% 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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield crime rate is 28% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.44 crimes per day - 0.07 violent crimes and 0.37 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Fairfield. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Fairfield has increased by 12.6%. Violent crimes have increased by 80%, while property crimes have increased by 4.7%. 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.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Fairfield, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Fairfield, 92.1% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Fairfield, the cost of living is 12.88% lower than the national average.
| Item | Fairfield | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 20 | 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 |
| Maharishi Vedic City, IA | 486 | 188 | 877 | 1,065 |
| Pleasant Plain, IA | 101 | 340 | 1,582 | 1,922 |
| Richland, IA | 572 | 353 | 1,643 | 1,996 |
| Libertyville, IA | 377 | 353 | 1,645 | 1,998 |
| Lockridge, IA | 764 | 392 | 1,824 | 2,215 |
| Martinsburg, IA | 132 | 393 | 1,830 | 2,223 |
| Packwood, IA | 586 | 396 | 1,845 | 2,242 |
| Fairfield, IA | 10,327 | 280 | 1,390 | 1,670 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Granbury, TX | 10,325 | 124 | 3,594 | 3,717 |
| Sauk Village, IL | 10,319 | 413 | 2,424 | 2,837 |
| Hillsdale, NJ | 10,317 | 10 | 330 | 340 |
| Lyons, IL | 10,338 | 323 | 1,896 | 2,219 |
| Sedona, AZ | 10,341 | 376 | 1,740 | 2,116 |
| Fairfield, IA | 10,327 | 280 | 1,390 | 1,670 |
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