| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Iowa/100k people | Louisiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 102 | n/a (estimate) | 3,432 | 3,377 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 67.3 | 16.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 33.6 | 43.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 67.3 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 33 | n/a | 1,110.4 | 502.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 36 | n/a (estimate) | 1,211 | 629 | 370 |
| Burglary | 11 | n/a | 370.1 | 497.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 47 | n/a | 1,581.4 | 1,940.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 269.2 | 310.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 66 | n/a (estimate) | 2,221 | 2,748 | 1,954 |
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 Iowa crime rate is higher than the national average by 47.7%. Specifically, there were 36 violent crimes in Iowa, equivalent to 1211 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 227.6%. Furthermore, Iowa recorded 66 property crimes, amounting to 2221 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 13.6%.
With a violent crime rate of 1211 crimes per 100,000 residents, Iowa is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Iowa ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 83 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Iowa ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Iowa, there were a total of 2 murders, translating to 67 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
Iowa maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Iowa, 2221 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.
To determine if Iowa 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. Iowa has a total crime rate that is 48% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.28 daily crimes (0.1 violent daily crimes and 0.18 daily property crimes) in Iowa.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Iowa. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Iowa has decreased by 17.7%. Violent crimes have decreased by 30.8%, while property crimes have decreased by 8.3%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In Iowa, the poverty rate currently stands at 19.8%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Iowa crime rates.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Iowa, 76.6% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Iowa stands at $176,800, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.
| Item | Iowa | Louisiana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 14 | 7,311 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.6 | 4.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Louisiana /100K | National /100K |
| Louisiana | 12,948 | 286 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hayes, LA | 654 | 306 | 1,335 | 1,641 |
| Welsh, LA | 3,209 | 409 | 1,787 | 2,196 |
| Moss Bluff, LA | 10,352 | 549 | 2,400 | 2,950 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 77,832 | 629 | 3,112 | 3,742 |
| Lacassine, LA | 57 | 778 | 3,400 | 4,178 |
| Gillis, LA | 587 | 900 | 3,932 | 4,832 |
| Fenton, LA | 264 | 945 | 4,128 | 5,073 |
| Iowa, LA | 3,209 | 1,211 | 2,221 | 3,432 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| McGovern, PA | 3,209 | 100 | 531 | 631 |
| Welsh, LA | 3,209 | 409 | 1,787 | 2,196 |
| Warrensburg, NY | 3,209 | 283 | 1,137 | 1,420 |
| Buzzards Bay, MA | 3,208 | 166 | 551 | 717 |
| Jackson, MN | 3,208 | 174 | 1,215 | 1,389 |
| Iowa, LA | 3,209 | 1,211 | 2,221 | 3,432 |
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