| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Indianola/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 409 | n/a (estimate) | 2,586 | 1,618 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 25 | n/a | 158.1 | 42.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 21.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 114 | n/a | 720.7 | 220.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 139 | n/a (estimate) | 879 | 287 | 370 |
| Burglary | 18 | n/a | 113.8 | 218.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 239 | n/a | 1,511.0 | 965.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 13 | n/a | 82.2 | 147.4 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 270 | n/a (estimate) | 1,707 | 1,332 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Indianola crime rate is 11.3% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Indianola, there were 139 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 879 per 100,000 individuals, 137.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, Indianola recorded 270 property crimes, amounting to 1707 per 100,000 residents, 12.7% lower than the U.S. average.
The Indianola crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Indianola, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.
Indianola ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 879 per 100,000 people, Indianola is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 114 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Indianola, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Indianola reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
Indianola exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1707 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1954 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Indianola maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Indianola residents. Out of the respondents (6 in total), 50% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Indianola were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 50% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Indianola is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Indianola has a total crime rate that is 11% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.12 daily crimes (0.38 violent daily crimes and 0.74 daily property crimes) in Indianola.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Indianola has increased by 16.9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Indianola, 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 increased by 85.3%, while property crime has increased by 1.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Indianola is a safe place to live.
Indianola has a poverty rate that stands at 10, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Indianola crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Indianola, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.4, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
Indianola has an average rental rate of $810 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| 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 | 11,467 | 56 | 210 | 266 |
| St. Marys, IA | 182 | 116 | 538 | 654 |
| Cumming, IA | 536 | 116 | 538 | 654 |
| Ackworth, IA | 212 | 225 | 1,047 | 1,272 |
| Carlisle, IA | 4,181 | 331 | 1,065 | 1,396 |
| St. Charles, IA | 787 | 296 | 1,377 | 1,673 |
| Runnells, IA | 485 | 298 | 1,390 | 1,688 |
| Indianola, IA | 15,921 | 879 | 1,707 | 2,586 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hibbing, MN | 15,923 | 31 | 770 | 801 |
| Washougal, WA | 15,927 | 278 | 1,799 | 2,077 |
| Cloverly, MD | 15,915 | 217 | 892 | 1,109 |
| Easthampton Town, MA | 15,930 | 157 | 647 | 804 |
| Sayville, NY | 15,910 | 255 | 1,023 | 1,278 |
| Indianola, IA | 15,921 | 879 | 1,707 | 2,586 |
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