| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Iowa City/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,515 | n/a (estimate) | 1,995 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 41 | n/a | 54.0 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 38 | n/a | 50.0 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 165 | n/a | 217.3 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 244 | n/a (estimate) | 321 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 119 | n/a | 156.7 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,055 | n/a | 1,389.4 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 97 | n/a | 127.7 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,271 | n/a (estimate) | 1,674 | 1,297 | 1,760 |
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 Iowa City is 5.9% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 244 violent crimes reported in Iowa City, equivalent to 321 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 10.5%. Additionally, Iowa City recorded 1271 property crimes, amounting to 1674 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 4.9%.
When assessing the overall crime rate in Iowa City per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Iowa City crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
When it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, Iowa City maintains a rate that is very similar to the national average. With 321 reported violent crimes, it falls in line with the national average of 359. This alignment suggests that Iowa City shares a similar crime profile with other cities, highlighting its comparable level of safety within the broader urban landscape.
In the most recently reported crime year, Iowa City registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
In the most recent release, Iowa City reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Iowa City, there were 1674 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Iowa City residents. Out of the respondents (53 in total), 72% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Iowa City were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 28% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Iowa City a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Iowa City has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 6%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 4.15 daily incidents, encompassing 0.67 violent crimes and 3.48 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Iowa City as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Iowa City. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Iowa City has increased by 1.9%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 2.5%, while property crime has increased by 1.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Iowa City.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Iowa City crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Iowa City has an unemployment rate of 3.3%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Iowa City, there are 1.44 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
In Iowa City, the median home price stands at $402,531, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Iowa City | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 100 | 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 |
| University Heights, IA | 1,377 | 85 | 0 | 85 |
| Solon, IA | 2,747 | 43 | 229 | 272 |
| Swisher, IA | 1,096 | 52 | 276 | 327 |
| West Branch, IA | 2,414 | 106 | 317 | 422 |
| Tiffin, IA | 3,887 | 72 | 383 | 455 |
| Riverside, IA | 1,041 | 73 | 390 | 463 |
| North Liberty, IA | 19,749 | 69 | 398 | 467 |
| Iowa City, IA | 77,990 | 321 | 1,674 | 1,995 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Arlington Heights, IL | 77,990 | 50 | 880 | 930 |
| Bellflower, CA | 78,041 | 613 | 2,170 | 2,783 |
| Carmichael, CA | 77,824 | 490 | 2,094 | 2,583 |
| Wyoming, MI | 78,208 | 471 | 2,145 | 2,616 |
| Georgetown, TX | 77,731 | 191 | 1,170 | 1,361 |
| Iowa City, IA | 77,990 | 321 | 1,674 | 1,995 |
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