| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Hiawatha/100k people | Kansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 55 | n/a (estimate) | 1,737 | 2,395 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 44.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 30.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 18 | n/a | 568.5 | 359.9 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 18 | n/a (estimate) | 569 | 439 | 359 |
| Burglary | 3 | n/a | 94.8 | 261.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 28 | n/a | 884.4 | 1,458.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 189.5 | 236.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 37 | n/a (estimate) | 1,169 | 1,956 | 1,760 |

The Hiawatha crime rates are 18% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 18 violent crimes in Hiawatha (569 per 100,000 people), which is 58.3% higher than the national average and there were a total of 37 property crimes (1169 per 100,000 residents) which is 33.6% lower than average.
Hiawatha showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
Is Hiawatha 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, Hiawatha has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 18%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.15 daily incidents, encompassing 0.05 violent crimes and 0.1 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Hiawatha as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime rates in Hiawatha has decreased by 56% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Hiawatha is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 50%, while property crime has decreased by 67.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Hiawatha.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Hiawatha crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Hiawatha has an unemployment rate of 5.3%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Hiawatha, there are 2.5 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
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 Hiawatha, the average monthly rent stands at $1,049, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Hiawatha | Kansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 8 | 5,262 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Kansas /100K | National /100K |
| Kansas | 9,632 | 349 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Falls City, NE | 4,250 | 125 | 747 | 872 |
| Sabetha, KS | 2,630 | 183 | 814 | 996 |
| Highland, KS | 1,239 | 215 | 958 | 1,173 |
| Rulo, NE | 90 | 196 | 1,446 | 1,641 |
| Horton, KS | 1,873 | 204 | 1,568 | 1,772 |
| Denton, KS | 177 | 494 | 2,203 | 2,698 |
| Fairview, KS | 314 | 508 | 2,262 | 2,770 |
| Hiawatha, KS | 3,216 | 569 | 1,169 | 1,737 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Wolfdale, PA | 3,216 | 110 | 641 | 751 |
| Salmon, ID | 3,217 | 119 | 179 | 298 |
| Mamou, LA | 3,217 | 372 | 1,642 | 2,014 |
| San Antonio Heights, CA | 3,217 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| Landis, NC | 3,214 | 180 | 941 | 1,120 |
| Hiawatha, KS | 3,216 | 569 | 1,169 | 1,737 |