Safest cities in Iowa

Access hyperlocal data to help you make a confident and informed decision.

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.

Get Crime Data Within A 1-Mile Radius!

View detailed crime data near your address
Use local crime insights to avoid risky areas
Get hyperlocal crime stats, not city averages

GET REPORT →

* Crime data not available for every address.

Sioux Center Population: 7,757 127 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: 6,064 199 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: 5,549 227 total crimes per 100k

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

With a population of 5,549 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: 6,341 233 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: 11,804 289 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: 7,825 343 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: 6,941 378 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: 5,238 423 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: 19,749 467 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.

Cherokee Population: 5,026 543 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 213 Property Crime / 100k: 330 chance of being a victim: 1 in 184

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Iowa, is Cherokee. With a low rate of crime that included 97 burglaries, 233 thefts, 0 vehicle thefts, 213 assaults, 0 robberies, 0 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 95% 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	7,757	46	81	127
2	Asbury	6,064	100	100	199
3	Algona	5,549	94	132	227
4	Orange City	6,341	47	186	233
5	Norwalk	11,804	109	180	289
6	Decorah	7,825	119	224	343
7	Eldridge	6,941	44	334	378
8	Vinton	5,238	60	363	423
9	North Liberty	19,749	69	398	467
10	Cherokee	5,026	213	330	543
11	Estherville	5,853	275	310	585
12	Marion	41,096	123	497	620
13	Fairfield	10,625	141	486	627
14	Anamosa	5,674	104	570	673
15	Adel	5,057	76	639	715
16	Urbandale	45,000	89	635	724
17	Glenwood	5,514	57	671	728
18	Oelwein	6,065	209	556	765
19	Waukee	23,183	142	640	782
20	Independence	6,286	161	659	820
21	Johnston	22,844	77	749	826
22	Winterset	5,460	186	726	912
23	Denison	8,630	124	821	946
24	Bettendorf	37,477	105	868	972
25	Sheldon	5,334	371	612	982
26	Perry	7,820	399	586	985
27	Le Mars	10,368	94	922	1,017
28	Carroll	10,175	40	978	1,018
29	Waverly	10,459	141	886	1,027
30	Oskaloosa	12,090	140	902	1,042
31	Spencer	11,331	52	991	1,043
32	Pella	10,526	110	951	1,060
33	Mount Pleasant	8,795	48	1,063	1,111
34	Charles City	7,624	320	836	1,156
35	Shenandoah	5,020	657	513	1,170
36	Ankeny	66,592	166	1,022	1,188
37	Red Oak	5,512	277	941	1,218
38	Manchester	5,149	132	1,114	1,246
39	DeWitt	5,371	250	998	1,248
40	Clarinda	5,584	284	1,022	1,305
41	Creston	8,021	272	1,035	1,307
42	Centerville	5,579	263	1,052	1,315
43	Hiawatha	7,665	360	982	1,342
44	Clive	17,633	209	1,166	1,375
45	Grinnell	9,424	169	1,238	1,407
46	Muscatine	24,516	246	1,228	1,474
47	Webster City	7,995	286	1,328	1,615
48	Ames	68,047	148	1,506	1,654
49	Spirit Lake	5,248	342	1,386	1,728
50	Indianola	16,415	273	1,472	1,745

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

Well Below nat. avg.
Below nat. avg.
Similar to nat. avg.
Above nat. avg.
Well above nat. avg.

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.