| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Indianola/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 281 | n/a (estimate) | 1,745 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 62.1 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 34 | n/a | 211.1 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 44 | n/a (estimate) | 273 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 34 | n/a | 211.1 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 190 | n/a | 1,179.8 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 13 | n/a | 80.7 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 237 | n/a (estimate) | 1,472 | 1,297 | 1,760 |

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 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.
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.
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.
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.

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| Item | Indianola | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 21 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.4 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Iowa /100K | National /100K |
| Iowa | 6,040 | 205 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Norwalk, IA | 11,804 | 109 | 180 | 289 |
| Cumming, IA | 550 | 98 | 524 | 622 |
| Carlisle, IA | 4,329 | 114 | 525 | 639 |
| St. Charles, IA | 813 | 211 | 1,126 | 1,337 |
| St. Marys, IA | 188 | 211 | 1,127 | 1,338 |
| Runnells, IA | 495 | 227 | 1,212 | 1,439 |
| Martensdale, IA | 518 | 253 | 1,349 | 1,602 |
| Indianola, IA | 16,415 | 273 | 1,472 | 1,745 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Dyer, IN | 16,417 | 12 | 344 | 356 |
| Hibbing, MN | 16,417 | 63 | 666 | 729 |
| Spanish Springs, NV | 16,407 | 164 | 896 | 1,060 |
| Walnut Park, CA | 16,426 | 585 | 2,500 | 3,085 |
| Crawfordsville, IN | 16,427 | 186 | 642 | 828 |
| Indianola, IA | 16,415 | 273 | 1,472 | 1,745 |