Safest cities in Iowa

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Known as the 'Hawkeye State,' Iowa is renowned for its rolling plains, fertile farmlands, and welcoming communities. Located in the Midwestern United States, Iowa is a major agricultural producer, known for its corn, soybeans, and pork production. The state's economy also includes manufacturing, biotechnology, and renewable energy. Des Moines, the state capital, is a bustling city with a strong financial sector and a vibrant cultural scene, featuring museums, theaters, and festivals. Iowa's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its numerous historical sites, including the Amana Colonies and the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site.

Low crime rates are essential for enhancing the livability of communities in Iowa, making the safest cities highly desirable places to live. Safety provides a foundation for economic stability and community well-being, allowing residents to feel secure in their daily lives. Factors that contribute to the safety of Iowa's cities include community policing, neighborhood watch programs, and active citizen participation. The safest cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, offering a reliable measure of security. This emphasis on safety ensures that residents can enjoy the many amenities and natural attractions Iowa has to offer without the overshadowing concern of crime.

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Sioux Center Population: 7,592 127 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 46 Property Crime / 100k: 81 chance of being a victim: 1 in 786

Sioux Center proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Iowa. With only 127 crimes per 100,000 people, Sioux Center has a crime rate that is 91% lower than the Iowa average. This equates to an average of 0.03 crimes per day and a 1 in 786 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Asbury Population: 5,931 199 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 100 Property Crime / 100k: 100 chance of being a victim: 1 in 502

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Asbury comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Iowa with a crime rate of 199 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 17 counts of burglary, 83 counts of theft, 0 counts of vehicle theft, 100 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 0 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Asbury, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Algona Population: 5,415 227 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 94 Property Crime / 100k: 132 chance of being a victim: 1 in 442

With a population of 5,415 and a total crime rate of 227 per 100,000 residents, Algona is the 3rd safest city in Iowa. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 95% lower than the Iowa average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Orange City Population: 6,158 233 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 47 Property Crime / 100k: 186 chance of being a victim: 1 in 429

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Orange City is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 233, 94% lower than the Iowa average. This amounts to 0.04 crimes per day and a 1 in 429 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Orange City a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Norwalk Population: 11,467 289 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 109 Property Crime / 100k: 180 chance of being a victim: 1 in 346

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Norwalk consistently ranks high in safety. In Norwalk, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 289, which is 84% lower than the state average.

Decorah Population: 7,615 343 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 119 Property Crime / 100k: 224 chance of being a victim: 1 in 291

Decorah has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Iowa. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 343 crimes per 100,000 people, 92% lower than the Iowa average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 53 reports of burglary, 145 reports of theft, 26 reports of vehicle theft, 106 reports of assault, 0 reports of robbery, 13 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Eldridge Population: 6,678 378 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 44 Property Crime / 100k: 334 chance of being a victim: 1 in 265

Eldridge ranks as the seventh safest city in Iowa and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 265 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.07 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Eldridge’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Iowa.

Vinton Population: 5,075 423 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 60 Property Crime / 100k: 363 chance of being a victim: 1 in 236

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Vinton is the 8th safest city in Iowa. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 95% lower than the Iowa average, reporting a total of 423 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

North Liberty Population: 19,159 467 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 69 Property Crime / 100k: 398 chance of being a victim: 1 in 214

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. North Liberty is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Iowa, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 467 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 78% lower than the state average.

Estherville Population: 5,729 585 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 275 Property Crime / 100k: 310 chance of being a victim: 1 in 171

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Iowa, is Estherville. With a low rate of crime that included 17 burglaries, 241 thefts, 52 vehicle thefts, 258 assaults, 0 robberies, 17 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 94% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Iowa

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Sioux Center	7,592	46	81	127
2	Asbury	5,931	100	100	199
3	Algona	5,415	94	132	227
4	Orange City	6,158	47	186	233
5	Norwalk	11,467	109	180	289
6	Decorah	7,615	119	224	343
7	Eldridge	6,678	44	334	378
8	Vinton	5,075	60	363	423
9	North Liberty	19,159	69	398	467
10	Estherville	5,729	275	310	585
11	Marion	39,910	123	497	620
12	Fairfield	10,327	141	486	627
13	Anamosa	5,484	104	570	673
14	Urbandale	43,879	89	635	724
15	Glenwood	5,325	57	671	728
16	Oelwein	5,896	209	556	765
17	Waukee	22,598	142	640	782
18	Independence	6,085	161	659	820
19	Johnston	22,077	77	749	826
20	Winterset	5,309	186	726	912
21	Denison	8,319	124	821	946
22	Bettendorf	36,214	105	868	972
23	Sheldon	5,178	371	612	982
24	Perry	7,660	399	586	985
25	Le Mars	10,012	94	922	1,017
26	Carroll	9,823	40	978	1,018
27	Waverly	10,172	141	886	1,027
28	Oskaloosa	11,727	140	902	1,042
29	Spencer	11,038	52	991	1,043
30	Pella	10,279	110	951	1,060
31	Mount Pleasant	8,574	48	1,063	1,111
32	Charles City	7,351	320	836	1,156
33	Ankeny	64,744	166	1,022	1,188
34	Red Oak	5,323	277	941	1,218
35	Manchester	5,011	132	1,114	1,246
36	DeWitt	5,215	250	998	1,248
37	Clarinda	5,371	284	1,022	1,305
38	Creston	7,754	272	1,035	1,307
39	Centerville	5,433	263	1,052	1,315
40	Hiawatha	7,395	360	982	1,342
41	Clive	17,246	209	1,166	1,375
42	Grinnell	9,069	169	1,238	1,407
43	Muscatine	23,661	246	1,228	1,474
44	Webster City	7,699	286	1,328	1,615
45	Ames	66,361	148	1,506	1,654
46	Spirit Lake	5,130	342	1,386	1,728
47	Indianola	15,921	273	1,472	1,745
48	Iowa Falls	5,067	201	1,568	1,769
49	Newton	15,160	384	1,390	1,774
50	Dubuque	58,052	401	1,435	1,836

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Iowa is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Iowa cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.