C+
6%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
22%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
3%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleFort Madison/100k peopleIowa/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime198n/a (estimate)1,9871,5402,119
Murder0n/a0.02.15.0
Rape10n/a100.435.237.5
Robbery2n/a20.118.760.6
Assault16n/a160.6187.2256.1
Violent crime28n/a (estimate)281243359
Burglary28n/a281.0199.1229.2
Theft119n/a1,194.3962.61,272.1
Vehicle theft23n/a230.8135.1258.8
Property crime170n/a (estimate)1,7061,2971,760

Fort Madison crime map

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The Fort Madison crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Fort Madison as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Fort Madison crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Fort Madison crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Fort Madison, IA

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 Do the Locals Say About Crime in Fort Madison?

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?

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.

Has Crime in Fort Madison Increased Since Last Year?

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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Fort Madison

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.

Compare Fort Madison, IA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Fort Madison crime rates are 6% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Fort Madison are 22% lower than the national average
      • In Fort Madison you have a 1 in 51 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Fort Madison is safer than 32% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Fort Madison has decreased by 21%

      Fort Madison, IA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Fort Madison (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Fort Madison, Iowa is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Fort Madison are 1.29 times more than the Iowa average and 1.07 times less than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Fort Madison are 1.16 times more than than Iowa and 1.28 times less than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Fort Madison are 1.32 times more than than Iowa and 1.03 times less than the national average.

        How Safe is Fort Madison (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Fort Madison, Iowa compared to other areas of Iowa, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Fort Madison safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Fort Madison is safer than 19% of Iowa cities, and 32% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Iowa, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Fort Madison. At this time, Fort Madison sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Fort Madison

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Fort Madison is 1 in 356
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Fort Madison is 1 in 59
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Fort Madison is 1 in 51
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Fort Madison, Iowa you have a 1 in 356 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 59 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 51 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Fort Madison.

        Year Over Year Crime In Fort Madison (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Fort Madison is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Fort Madison has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have decreased by 17% in Fort Madison, while property crimes in Fort Madison have decreased by 22%. Total crime has decreased by 21% year over year.

        Fort Madison police department

        Item Fort Madison Iowa National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)203,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.81.83.3
        There are a total of 20 Fort Madison police officers. This results in 1.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 0.7% greater than the Iowa average and 44.2% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Iowa

        State Total offenders Iowa /100K National /100K
        Iowa6,040205266
        There are a total of 6,040 sex offenders in Iowa. This yields a total of 205 sex offenders in Iowa per 100,000 residents which is 23% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Nauvoo, IL973218436654
        Carthage, IL2,563130773903
        Dallas City, IL1,093137815953
        Denmark, IA516152810962
        Franklin, IA1782341,2511,485
        St. Paul, IA662491,3271,576
        West Point, IA7502501,3321,581
        Fort Madison, IA10,6502811,7061,987

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Quartz Hill, CA10,6504802,0542,535
        Fife, WA10,6501,0185,9186,936
        Miami Shores, FL10,6532533,6863,939
        Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO10,6559452,7483,693
        Lyons, IL10,6442891,7142,003
        Fort Madison, IA10,6502811,7061,987
        Source: The Fort Madison, IA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.