| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Johnston/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 205 | n/a (estimate) | 826 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 4.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 12.1 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 8.1 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 13 | n/a | 52.4 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 19 | n/a (estimate) | 77 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 19 | n/a | 76.6 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 131 | n/a | 527.8 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 36 | n/a | 145.1 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 186 | n/a (estimate) | 749 | 1,297 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Johnston crime rate is 61% lower 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 Johnston, there were 19 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 77 per 100,000 individuals, 78.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, Johnston recorded 186 property crimes, amounting to 749 per 100,000 residents, 57.4% lower than the U.S. average.
Johnston stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 77 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Johnston secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
AreaVibes surveyed 16 local residents in Johnston to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 100% of people answered that there was very little crime in Johnston and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 0% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To determine if Johnston 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. Johnston has a total crime rate that is 61% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.56 daily crimes (0.05 violent daily crimes and 0.51 daily property crimes) in Johnston.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Johnston. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Johnston has decreased by 12.4%. Violent crimes have decreased by 45.7%, while property crimes have decreased by 6.5%. 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.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Johnston crime rate. The poverty level in Johnston is 5.1%, while the national average is 15.1%.
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 Johnston, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.42 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.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Johnston, the average monthly rent stands at $1,700, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Johnston | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 25 | 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 |
| Van Meter, IA | 1,436 | 55 | 55 | 110 |
| Granger, IA | 1,931 | 34 | 182 | 216 |
| Norwalk, IA | 11,804 | 109 | 180 | 289 |
| Woodward, IA | 1,280 | 146 | 146 | 293 |
| Polk City, IA | 4,940 | 31 | 290 | 320 |
| Saylorville, IA | 2,841 | 64 | 340 | 403 |
| Slater, IA | 1,508 | 66 | 351 | 416 |
| Johnston, IA | 22,844 | 77 | 749 | 826 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Frederickson, WA | 22,845 | 328 | 2,482 | 2,810 |
| Patterson, CA | 22,827 | 275 | 957 | 1,232 |
| Nixa, MO | 22,872 | 46 | 606 | 651 |
| Ruston, LA | 22,812 | 427 | 2,956 | 3,383 |
| Fairhope, AL | 22,887 | 109 | 1,152 | 1,261 |
| Johnston, IA | 22,844 | 77 | 749 | 826 |