| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Mason City/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 682 | n/a (estimate) | 2,546 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 27 | n/a | 100.8 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 14.9 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 29 | n/a | 108.3 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 60 | n/a (estimate) | 224 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 84 | n/a | 313.6 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 519 | n/a | 1,937.6 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 19 | n/a | 70.9 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 622 | n/a (estimate) | 2,322 | 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 Mason City is 20.1% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 60 violent crimes reported in Mason City, equivalent to 224 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 37.6%. Additionally, Mason City recorded 622 property crimes, amounting to 2322 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 31.9%.
During the most recently reported crime year, Mason City experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
What do the local residents think about crime in Mason City? Well, based on a recent survey of 65 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 40% of Mason City residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 60% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Mason City is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Mason City has an overall crime rate that is 20% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.87 daily occurrences, comprising 0.16 violent crimes and 1.7 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Mason City as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Mason City crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Mason City has decreased by 20.7% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 44.4% and property crime has decreased by 17.3%.
Mason City has a poverty rate of 10.8, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Mason City, the cost of living is 10.73% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Mason City is $198,497, compared to a national average of $326,622.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Mason City | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 50 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| Nora Springs, IA | 1,692 | 95 | 509 | 605 |
| Manly, IA | 1,533 | 101 | 538 | 639 |
| Ventura, IA | 783 | 163 | 871 | 1,035 |
| Rockwell, IA | 890 | 258 | 1,377 | 1,635 |
| Rock Falls, IA | 167 | 265 | 1,416 | 1,682 |
| Rockford, IA | 860 | 268 | 1,429 | 1,696 |
| Grafton, IA | 187 | 268 | 1,432 | 1,701 |
| Mason City, IA | 27,815 | 224 | 2,322 | 2,546 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Allen Park, MI | 27,807 | 239 | 1,750 | 1,989 |
| Thomasville, NC | 27,805 | 331 | 2,296 | 2,627 |
| Maywood, CA | 27,798 | 576 | 1,344 | 1,920 |
| Wilmette, IL | 27,840 | 22 | 1,188 | 1,210 |
| Statesville, NC | 27,848 | 412 | 2,156 | 2,568 |
| Mason City, IA | 27,815 | 224 | 2,322 | 2,546 |
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