| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Iola/100k people | Kansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 132 | n/a (estimate) | 2,494 | 2,395 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 75.6 | 44.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 18.9 | 30.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 23 | n/a | 434.6 | 359.9 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 28 | n/a (estimate) | 529 | 439 | 359 |
| Burglary | 14 | n/a | 264.5 | 261.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 85 | n/a | 1,606.2 | 1,458.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 94.5 | 236.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 104 | n/a (estimate) | 1,965 | 1,956 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Iola is 17.7% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Iola, there were 28 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 529 per 100,000 individuals, 47.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 104 property crimes, amounting to 1965 per 100,000 residents, 11.7% higher than the U.S. average.
In the latest reported crime year, Iola recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
Iola has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 1965 property crimes in Iola, while the national average was 1760 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Iola. Based on the results of the surveys (6 responses), 67% of people felt that there was very little crime in Iola and felt safe walking alone at night. While 33% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Iola 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. Iola has a total crime rate that is 18% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.36 daily crimes (0.08 violent daily crimes and 0.28 daily property crimes) in Iola.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Iola crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Iola has decreased by 36.8% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 15.2% and property crime has decreased by 40.9%.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Iola crime rates. For instance, in Iola, the population density stands at 1214.5 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Iola, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.97 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Iola has a median home price of $139,235, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Iola | Kansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 17 | 5,262 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.0 | 2.5 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Kansas /100K | National /100K |
| Kansas | 9,632 | 349 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Moran, KS | 491 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Humboldt, KS | 2,236 | 230 | 1,027 | 1,257 |
| Gas, KS | 529 | 565 | 2,518 | 3,083 |
| LeRoy, KS | 603 | 566 | 2,520 | 3,086 |
| Colony, KS | 465 | 654 | 2,913 | 3,566 |
| La Harpe, KS | 501 | 661 | 2,946 | 3,607 |
| Neosho Falls, KS | 118 | 709 | 3,161 | 3,870 |
| Iola, KS | 5,433 | 529 | 1,965 | 2,494 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Aberdeen, MS | 5,435 | 184 | 1,196 | 1,381 |
| Bear Valley Springs, CA | 5,435 | 347 | 1,482 | 1,828 |
| North Sea, NY | 5,436 | 124 | 559 | 683 |
| Country Knolls, NY | 5,429 | 222 | 1,004 | 1,226 |
| Tellico Village, TN | 5,438 | 193 | 661 | 853 |
| Iola, KS | 5,433 | 529 | 1,965 | 2,494 |