| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Grinnell/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 133 | n/a (estimate) | 1,407 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 31.7 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 21.2 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 11 | n/a | 116.4 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 16 | n/a (estimate) | 169 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 11 | n/a | 116.4 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 98 | n/a | 1,036.9 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 84.6 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 117 | n/a (estimate) | 1,238 | 1,297 | 1,760 |

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.
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.
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.
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.

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| Item | Grinnell | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 16 | 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 |
| Montezuma, IA | 1,550 | 94 | 503 | 598 |
| Holiday Lake, IA | 339 | 98 | 524 | 622 |
| Brooklyn, IA | 1,725 | 99 | 528 | 627 |
| Oakland Acres, IA | 205 | 127 | 679 | 807 |
| Sully, IA | 983 | 232 | 1,240 | 1,473 |
| Lynnville, IA | 552 | 248 | 1,324 | 1,573 |
| Haverhill, IA | 175 | 256 | 1,365 | 1,621 |
| Grinnell, IA | 9,424 | 169 | 1,238 | 1,407 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Greenville, RI | 9,423 | 85 | 573 | 658 |
| Gresham Park, GA | 9,426 | 216 | 1,111 | 1,327 |
| Washington Terrace, UT | 9,422 | 204 | 1,253 | 1,457 |
| Nolensville, TN | 9,422 | 50 | 207 | 257 |
| Lenoir City, TN | 9,420 | 348 | 1,603 | 1,951 |
| Grinnell, IA | 9,424 | 169 | 1,238 | 1,407 |