Independence, IA Crime Rates: Stats & Map

A

45%

Total crime NAT. AVG.

61%

Violent crime NAT. AVG.

42%

Property crime NAT. AVG.

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.

Statistic	Reported_incidents	_{/100k people}	Independence_{/100k people}	Iowa_{/100k people}	National_{/100k people}
Total crime	80	n/a (estimate)	1,283	1,618	2,324
Murder	0	n/a	0.0	1.7	6.3
Rape	1	n/a	16.0	42.5	40.0
Robbery	0	n/a	0.0	21.6	66.1
Assault	8	n/a	128.3	220.7	268.2
Violent crime	9	n/a (estimate)	144	287	370
Burglary	10	n/a	160.4	218.6	269.8
Theft	51	n/a	817.8	965.4	1,401.9
Vehicle theft	10	n/a	160.4	147.4	282.7
Property crime	71	n/a (estimate)	1,139	1,332	1,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Independence, 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 Independence is 44.8% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 9 violent crimes reported in Independence, equivalent to 144 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 61%. Additionally, Independence recorded 71 property crimes, amounting to 1139 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 41.7%.

During the most recently reported crime year, Independence 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 Independence a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Independence, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Independence presents a total crime rate that is 45% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Independence experiences an average of 0.22 daily crimes, comprising 0.02 violent incidents and 0.19 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 Independence Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Independence has increased by 14.3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Independence, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 50%, while property crime has increased by 36.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Independence is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Independence

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Independence crime rates. In Independence, the poverty rate stands at 8.2%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Independence crime rates. Independence registers a population density of 1012.1 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Independence, 86% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

Independence crime map

The Independence crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Independence 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 Independence crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Independence 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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Crime Quick Facts

Independence crime rates are 45% lower than the national average
Violent crimes in Independence are 61% lower than the national average
In Independence you have a 1 in 78 chance of becoming a victim of crime
Independence is safer than 63% of the cities in the United States
Year over year crime in Independence has increased by 14%

Independence, IA Crime Quiz

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Daily Crime In Independence (per 100,000 people)

The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Independence, IA per 100,000 people. In Independence, the total number of daily crimes is 1.26 times less than the Iowa average and 1.81 times less than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Independence is 1.99 times less than the Iowa average and 2.56 times less than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Independence has a daily crime rate that is 1.17 times less than the Iowa average and 1.72 times less than the national average.

How Safe is Independence (higher is better)

What are the odds that you'll be safer in Independence, Iowa compared to other areas of Iowa, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Independence safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Independence is safer than 75% of Iowa cities, and 63% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Iowa, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Independence. At this time, Independence sees a above average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Independence

The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Independence is 1 in 693

The chance of being a victim of property crime in Independence is 1 in 88

The chance of being a victim of crime in Independence is 1 in 78

Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Independence? In Independence, you have a 1 in 693 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 88. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Independence, IA is 1 in 78.

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

A good indicator of whether Independence is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live can be determined by analyzing the year over year crime rate (per 100,000 people). The number of violent crimes in Independence has decreased by 50%, while the property crime rate in Independence has increased by 36% year over year. The number of total crimes in Independence has increased by 14% year over year.

Independence police department

Item	Independence	Iowa	National
Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)	12	3,827	558,732
Police officers & civilians /1000 residents	2.0	1.8	3.3

There are a total of 12 Independence police officers. This results in 2.0 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 11.4% greater than the Iowa average and 38.3% less than the National average.

Sex offenders in Iowa

State	Total offenders	Iowa_/100K	National_/100K
Iowa	6,040	205	266

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}
Fairbank, IA	1,406	100	466	566
Jesup, IA	2,725	100	466	567
La Porte City, IA	2,556	126	588	715
Oelwein, IA	5,896	397	726	1,123
Dunkerton, IA	983	296	1,377	1,673
Walker, IA	888	309	1,438	1,746
Quasqueton, IA	721	350	1,628	1,978
Independence, IA	6,085	144	1,139	1,283

Cities with similar population

City	Population	Violent crime_{/100k people}	Property crime_{/100k people}	Total crime_{/100k people}
Violet, LA	6,086	653	2,855	3,508
Princeton, KY	6,087	162	1,502	1,664
Newberry, FL	6,081	230	1,389	1,619
Munford, TN	6,090	155	1,129	1,284
Bridgewater, VA	6,090	80	676	756
Independence, IA	6,085	144	1,139	1,283

Source: The Independence, IA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. 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.