A+
61%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
79%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
57%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleJohnston/100k peopleIowa/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime205n/a (estimate)8261,5402,119
Murder1n/a4.02.15.0
Rape3n/a12.135.237.5
Robbery2n/a8.118.760.6
Assault13n/a52.4187.2256.1
Violent crime19n/a (estimate)77243359
Burglary19n/a76.6199.1229.2
Theft131n/a527.8962.61,272.1
Vehicle theft36n/a145.1135.1258.8
Property crime186n/a (estimate)7491,2971,760

Johnston crime map

Get this widget

The Johnston crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Johnston as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Johnston crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Johnston crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
Get Crime Data Within A 1-Mile Radius! Local Insights Report
  • View detailed crime data near your address
  • Use local crime insights to avoid risky areas
  • Get hyperlocal crime stats, not city averages
* Crime data not available for every address.
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Crime Rates in Johnston, IA

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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Johnston?

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.

Is Johnston a Safe Place to Live?

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.

Has Crime in Johnston Increased Since Last Year?

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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Johnston

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.

Compare Johnston, IA Crime

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Johnston crime rates are 61% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Johnston are 79% lower than the national average
      • In Johnston you have a 1 in 122 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Johnston is safer than 74% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Johnston has increased by 3%

      Johnston, IA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Johnston

        See all the best places to live around Johnston
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Johnston?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Johnston?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Johnston poll results

        Daily Crime In Johnston (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Johnston, IA per 100,000 people. In Johnston, the total number of daily crimes is 1.86 times less than the Iowa average and 2.57 times less than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Johnston is 3.18 times less than the Iowa average and 4.69 times less than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Johnston has a daily crime rate that is 1.73 times less than the Iowa average and 2.35 times less than the national average.

        How Safe is Johnston (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Johnston, Iowa compared to other areas of Iowa, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Johnston safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Johnston is safer than 66% of Iowa cities, and 74% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Iowa, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Johnston. At this time, Johnston sees a above average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Johnston

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Johnston is 1 in 1307
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Johnston is 1 in 134
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Johnston is 1 in 122
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in Johnston? If you reside in Johnston, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 1307. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 134 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Johnston, is 1 in 122.

        Year Over Year Crime In Johnston (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Johnston is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Johnston has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have decreased by 25% in Johnston, while property crimes in Johnston have increased by 7%. Total crime has increased by 3% year over year.

        Johnston police department

        Item Johnston Iowa National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)253,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.41.83.3
        There are a total of 25 Johnston police officers. This results in 1.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 21.3% less than the Iowa average and 56.4% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Iowa

        State Total offenders Iowa /100K National /100K
        Iowa6,040205266
        There are a total of 6,040 sex offenders in Iowa. This yields a total of 205 sex offenders in Iowa per 100,000 residents which is 23% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Van Meter, IA1,4365555110
        Granger, IA1,93134182216
        Norwalk, IA11,804109180289
        Woodward, IA1,280146146293
        Polk City, IA4,94031290320
        Saylorville, IA2,84164340403
        Slater, IA1,50866351416
        Johnston, IA22,84477749826

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Frederickson, WA22,8453282,4822,810
        Patterson, CA22,8272759571,232
        Nixa, MO22,87246606651
        Ruston, LA22,8124272,9563,383
        Fairhope, AL22,8871091,1521,261
        Johnston, IA22,84477749826
        Source: The Johnston, IA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.