B-
18%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
24%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
16%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleIndianola/100k peopleIowa/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime281n/a (estimate)1,7451,5402,119
Murder0n/a0.02.15.0
Rape10n/a62.135.237.5
Robbery0n/a0.018.760.6
Assault34n/a211.1187.2256.1
Violent crime44n/a (estimate)273243359
Burglary34n/a211.1199.1229.2
Theft190n/a1,179.8962.61,272.1
Vehicle theft13n/a80.7135.1258.8
Property crime237n/a (estimate)1,4721,2971,760

Indianola crime map

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The Indianola crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Indianola 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 Indianola crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Indianola 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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An Overview of Crime Rates in Indianola, IA

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Indianola crime rate is lower than the national average by 17.7%. Specifically, there were 44 violent crimes in Indianola, equivalent to 273 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 23.9%. Furthermore, Indianola recorded 237 property crimes, amounting to 1472 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 16.4%.

Indianola 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Indianola?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Indianola residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 15 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 80% of Indianola residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 20% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Indianola a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Indianola a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Indianola crime rate is 18% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.77 crimes per day - 0.12 violent crimes and 0.65 property crimes.

Has Crime in Indianola Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Indianola has decreased by 19.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Indianola 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 decreased by 41.3%, while property crime has decreased by 13.8%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Indianola.

Potential Causes for Crime in Indianola

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 Indianola crime rates. In Indianola, the poverty rate stands at 10%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Indianola, 92.5% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Indianola, the cost of living is 8.7% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Compare Indianola, IA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Indianola crime rates are 18% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Indianola are 24% lower than the national average
      • In Indianola you have a 1 in 58 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Indianola is safer than 35% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Indianola has decreased by 14%

      Indianola, IA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Indianola

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        Daily Crime In Indianola (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Indianola on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of Iowa and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Indianola (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Iowa, are 1.13 times more than the state average and 1.21 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Indianola on a daily basis are 1.12 times more than than Iowa average and 1.31 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Indianola are 1.13 times more than the daily state average and 1.20 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Indianola (higher is better)

        How safe is Indianola, Iowa compared to other cities in Iowa and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Indianola is safer than 23% of the cities in Iowa and 35% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in Iowa and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Indianola. Overall, Indianola is ranked below average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Indianola

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Indianola is 1 in 367
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Indianola is 1 in 68
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Indianola is 1 in 58
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Indianola? In Indianola, IA you have a 1 in 367 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 68 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 58 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Indianola.

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

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Indianola is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Indianola has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have increased by 13% in Indianola, while property crimes in Indianola have decreased by 18%. Total crime has decreased by 14% year over year.

        Indianola police department

        Item Indianola Iowa National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)213,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.41.83.3
        There are a total of 21 Indianola police officers. This results in 1.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 22.2% less than the Iowa average and 56.9% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Iowa

        State Total offenders Iowa /100K National /100K
        Iowa6,040205266
        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
        Norwalk, IA11,804109180289
        Cumming, IA55098524622
        Carlisle, IA4,329114525639
        St. Charles, IA8132111,1261,337
        St. Marys, IA1882111,1271,338
        Runnells, IA4952271,2121,439
        Martensdale, IA5182531,3491,602
        Indianola, IA16,4152731,4721,745

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Dyer, IN16,41712344356
        Hibbing, MN16,41763666729
        Spanish Springs, NV16,4071648961,060
        Walnut Park, CA16,4265852,5003,085
        Crawfordsville, IN16,427186642828
        Indianola, IA16,4152731,4721,745
        Source: The Indianola, IA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. 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.