| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Fort Dodge/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,043 | n/a (estimate) | 4,257 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 4.1 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 37 | n/a | 151.0 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 13 | n/a | 53.1 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 209 | n/a | 853.0 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 260 | n/a (estimate) | 1,061 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 102 | n/a | 416.3 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 604 | n/a | 2,465.1 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 77 | n/a | 314.3 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 783 | n/a (estimate) | 3,196 | 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 Fort Dodge crime rate is higher than the national average by 100.9%. Specifically, there were 260 violent crimes in Fort Dodge, equivalent to 1061 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 195.5%. Furthermore, Fort Dodge recorded 783 property crimes, amounting to 3196 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 81.6%.
Having a crime rate of 4257 per 100,000 residents, Fort Dodge experiences a crime rate that is 100.87% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Fort Dodge contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
Fort Dodge has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1061 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Fort Dodge falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 95 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Fort Dodge. Based on the results of the surveys (95 responses), 22% of people felt that there was very little crime in Fort Dodge and felt safe walking alone at night. While 78% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Fort Dodge 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, Fort Dodge has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 101%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.86 daily incidents, encompassing 0.71 violent crimes and 2.15 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Fort Dodge as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Fort Dodge has increased by 46.3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Fort Dodge, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 122.2%, while property crime has increased by 31.4%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Fort Dodge is a safe place to live.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Fort Dodge crime rates. Fort Dodge registers a population density of 1538.5 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Fort Dodge, the cost of living is 13.97% lower than the national average.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Fort Dodge, the average rental rates are $1,003 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Fort Dodge | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 43 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 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 |
| Eagle Grove, IA | 3,541 | 134 | 717 | 851 |
| Humboldt, IA | 4,694 | 158 | 845 | 1,003 |
| Vincent, IA | 125 | 251 | 1,341 | 1,592 |
| Badger, IA | 463 | 252 | 1,346 | 1,598 |
| Knierim, IA | 58 | 256 | 1,368 | 1,625 |
| Coalville, IA | 660 | 271 | 1,446 | 1,717 |
| Lehigh, IA | 412 | 284 | 1,518 | 1,802 |
| Fort Dodge, IA | 24,700 | 1,061 | 3,196 | 4,257 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Rosemont, CA | 24,690 | 547 | 2,337 | 2,883 |
| Faribault, MN | 24,714 | 308 | 1,129 | 1,437 |
| Waverly, MI | 24,722 | 278 | 883 | 1,160 |
| South Plainfield, NJ | 24,668 | 118 | 1,931 | 2,048 |
| Chantilly, VA | 24,744 | 92 | 659 | 751 |
| Fort Dodge, IA | 24,700 | 1,061 | 3,196 | 4,257 |
Here are the best places to live in Iowa
See the best places to live in Fort Dodge
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
These are the largest cities in Iowa