| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Fort Dodge/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 987 | n/a (estimate) | 4,019 | 1,721 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 6 | n/a | 24.4 | 2.5 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 27 | n/a | 109.9 | 41.3 | 38.0 |
| Robbery | 11 | n/a | 44.8 | 22.3 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 124 | n/a | 504.9 | 213.9 | 264.1 |
| Violent crime | 168 | n/a (estimate) | 684 | 280 | 364 |
| Burglary | 101 | n/a | 411.3 | 218.6 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 652 | n/a | 2,655.1 | 1,056.8 | 1,347.2 |
| Vehicle theft | 66 | n/a | 268.8 | 165.2 | 318.7 |
| Property crime | 819 | n/a (estimate) | 3,335 | 1,441 | 1,917 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Fort Dodge is 51.2% higher 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 Fort Dodge, there were 130 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 518 per 100,000 individuals, 40.1% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 752 property crimes, amounting to 2996 per 100,000 residents, 53.3% higher than the U.S. average.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Fort Dodge residents. Out of the respondents (85 in total), 20% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Fort Dodge were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 80% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Fort Dodge 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. Fort Dodge has a total crime rate that is 51% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.42 daily crimes (0.36 violent daily crimes and 2.06 daily property crimes) in Fort Dodge.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Fort Dodge. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Fort Dodge has increased by 23.7%. Violent crimes have increased by 11.1%, while property crimes have increased by 26.2%. 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.
In Fort Dodge, the current unemployment rate stands at 2%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Fort Dodge crime rates.
Fort Dodge has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.71 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.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Fort Dodge, the average monthly rent stands at $667, while the national average is $949 per month.
| 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 | 3,410 | 155 | 796 | 951 |
| Humboldt, IA | 4,568 | 182 | 938 | 1,121 |
| Vincent, IA | 123 | 290 | 1,490 | 1,779 |
| Badger, IA | 448 | 291 | 1,495 | 1,786 |
| Knierim, IA | 57 | 295 | 1,520 | 1,816 |
| Coalville, IA | 645 | 312 | 1,607 | 1,919 |
| Lehigh, IA | 398 | 328 | 1,686 | 2,014 |
| Fort Dodge, IA | 24,168 | 684 | 3,335 | 4,019 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| North Potomac, MD | 24,146 | 179 | 870 | 1,049 |
| Ridgeland, MS | 24,194 | 362 | 1,704 | 2,066 |
| Somerset, NJ | 24,119 | 209 | 1,439 | 1,648 |
| Peekskill, NY | 24,111 | 254 | 910 | 1,163 |
| Loma Linda, CA | 24,239 | 559 | 2,561 | 3,120 |
| Fort Dodge, IA | 24,168 | 684 | 3,335 | 4,019 |
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