| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Fort Madison/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 198 | n/a (estimate) | 1,987 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 100.4 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 20.1 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 16 | n/a | 160.6 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 28 | n/a (estimate) | 281 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 28 | n/a | 281.0 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 119 | n/a | 1,194.3 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 23 | n/a | 230.8 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 170 | n/a (estimate) | 1,706 | 1,297 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Fort Madison is 6.2% 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 Fort Madison, there were 28 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 281 per 100,000 individuals, 21.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 170 property crimes, amounting to 1706 per 100,000 residents, 3.1% lower than the U.S. average.
When assessing the total crime rate in Fort Madison per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Fort Madison, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
During the most recently reported crime year, Fort Madison 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.
The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Fort Madison is very similar to the national average. Fort Madison had a property crime rate of 1706, while the national average was 1760. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Fort Madison residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 14 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 14% of Fort Madison residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 86% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Fort Madison 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 Madison has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 6%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.54 daily incidents, encompassing 0.08 violent crimes and 0.47 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Fort Madison as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Fort Madison. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Fort Madison has decreased by 43.1%. Violent crimes have decreased by 60.6%, while property crimes have decreased by 38.6%. 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 Madison, the poverty rate currently stands at 14.8%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Fort Madison crime rates.
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 Madison, the cost of living is 17.14% lower than the national average.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Fort Madison, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.81 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

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| Item | Fort Madison | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 20 | 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 |
| Nauvoo, IL | 973 | 218 | 436 | 654 |
| Carthage, IL | 2,563 | 130 | 773 | 903 |
| Dallas City, IL | 1,093 | 137 | 815 | 953 |
| Denmark, IA | 516 | 152 | 810 | 962 |
| Franklin, IA | 178 | 234 | 1,251 | 1,485 |
| St. Paul, IA | 66 | 249 | 1,327 | 1,576 |
| West Point, IA | 750 | 250 | 1,332 | 1,581 |
| Fort Madison, IA | 10,650 | 281 | 1,706 | 1,987 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Quartz Hill, CA | 10,650 | 480 | 2,054 | 2,535 |
| Fife, WA | 10,650 | 1,018 | 5,918 | 6,936 |
| Miami Shores, FL | 10,653 | 253 | 3,686 | 3,939 |
| Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO | 10,655 | 945 | 2,748 | 3,693 |
| Lyons, IL | 10,644 | 289 | 1,714 | 2,003 |
| Fort Madison, IA | 10,650 | 281 | 1,706 | 1,987 |