| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Marengo/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 35 | n/a (estimate) | 1,463 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 167.2 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 167 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 9 | n/a | 376.1 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 22 | n/a | 919.3 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 31 | n/a (estimate) | 1,295 | 1,297 | 1,760 |

The Marengo crime rates are 31% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 4 violent crimes in Marengo (167 per 100,000 people), which is 53.5% lower than the national average and there were a total of 31 property crimes (1295 per 100,000 residents) which is 26.4% lower than average.
Marengo showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
The United States faces a global challenge with vehicle theft rates, averaging around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Interestingly, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to not report any stolen vehicles. In the latest crime report, Marengo was among these cities, with no reported vehicle thefts, reaffirming its commitment to safety and security.
Is Marengo 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, Marengo has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 31%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.1 daily incidents, encompassing 0.01 violent crimes and 0.08 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Marengo 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 Marengo. 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 Marengo has decreased by 32.7%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 55.6%, while property crime has decreased by 27.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Marengo.
Marengo has a population density of 1182.8 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Marengo 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 Marengo, 85% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
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 Marengo, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.58 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.

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| Item | Marengo | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 4 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 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 |
| Walford, IA | 1,368 | 35 | 187 | 222 |
| Atkins, IA | 2,137 | 41 | 217 | 257 |
| Newhall, IA | 1,139 | 79 | 421 | 500 |
| Middle Amana, IA | 814 | 98 | 524 | 622 |
| Amana, IA | 483 | 156 | 834 | 991 |
| West Amana, IA | 125 | 163 | 870 | 1,033 |
| Williamsburg, IA | 3,248 | 179 | 896 | 1,075 |
| Marengo, IA | 2,459 | 167 | 1,295 | 1,463 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Egypt, PA | 2,459 | 69 | 402 | 471 |
| Hermann, MO | 2,460 | 229 | 640 | 869 |
| Beresford, SD | 2,460 | 192 | 1,106 | 1,299 |
| Hayti, MO | 2,458 | 261 | 1,099 | 1,360 |
| Sun Valley, PA | 2,460 | 109 | 638 | 747 |
| Marengo, IA | 2,459 | 167 | 1,295 | 1,463 |