A-
34%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
53%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
30%
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 peopleGrinnell/100k peopleIowa/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime133n/a (estimate)1,4071,5402,119
Murder0n/a0.02.15.0
Rape3n/a31.735.237.5
Robbery2n/a21.218.760.6
Assault11n/a116.4187.2256.1
Violent crime16n/a (estimate)169243359
Burglary11n/a116.4199.1229.2
Theft98n/a1,036.9962.61,272.1
Vehicle theft8n/a84.6135.1258.8
Property crime117n/a (estimate)1,2381,2971,760

Grinnell crime map

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The Grinnell crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Grinnell 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 Grinnell crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Grinnell 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 Grinnell, IA

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Grinnell is 33.6% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 16 violent crimes reported in Grinnell, equivalent to 169 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 52.9%. Additionally, Grinnell recorded 117 property crimes, amounting to 1238 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 29.7%.

During the most recently reported crime year, Grinnell 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.

Is Grinnell a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Grinnell, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Grinnell presents a total crime rate that is 34% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Grinnell experiences an average of 0.36 daily crimes, comprising 0.04 violent incidents and 0.32 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Grinnell Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Grinnell. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Grinnell has decreased by 36.7%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 66.7%, while property crime has decreased by 27.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Grinnell.

Potential Causes for Crime in Grinnell

Grinnell has a population density of 1711.9 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Grinnell crime rates.

In Grinnell, the median home price stands at $275,503, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

In Grinnell, the average rental rates are $1,110 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Compare Grinnell, IA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Grinnell crime rates are 34% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Grinnell are 53% lower than the national average
      • In Grinnell you have a 1 in 72 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Grinnell is safer than 50% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Grinnell has decreased by 8%

      Grinnell, IA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Grinnell (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Grinnell on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of Iowa and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Grinnell (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Iowa, are 1.09 times less than the state average and 1.51 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Grinnell on a daily basis are 1.44 times less than than Iowa average and 2.12 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Grinnell are 1.05 times less than the daily state average and 1.42 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Grinnell (higher is better)

        Is Grinnell safe in comparison to other cities in the state of Iowa as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Grinnell to other cities in the state and across the country, Grinnell is 41% safer than other cities of Iowa and 50% safer than other cities in the nation. Grinnell has a ranks above average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Grinnell

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Grinnell is 1 in 591
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Grinnell is 1 in 81
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Grinnell is 1 in 72
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Grinnell, Iowa you have a 1 in 591 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 81 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 72 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Grinnell.

        Year Over Year Crime In Grinnell (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Grinnell, IA is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Grinnell has decreased by 16%, while the property crime rate in Grinnell has decreased by 7% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Grinnell has decreased by 8% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Grinnell police department

        Item Grinnell Iowa National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)163,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.71.83.3
        There are a total of 16 Grinnell police officers. This results in 1.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 3.5% less than the Iowa average and 46.5% 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
        Montezuma, IA1,55094503598
        Holiday Lake, IA33998524622
        Brooklyn, IA1,72599528627
        Oakland Acres, IA205127679807
        Sully, IA9832321,2401,473
        Lynnville, IA5522481,3241,573
        Haverhill, IA1752561,3651,621
        Grinnell, IA9,4241691,2381,407

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Greenville, RI9,42385573658
        Gresham Park, GA9,4262161,1111,327
        Washington Terrace, UT9,4222041,2531,457
        Nolensville, TN9,42250207257
        Lenoir City, TN9,4203481,6031,951
        Grinnell, IA9,4241691,2381,407
        Source: The Grinnell, 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.