| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Mason City/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 12 | n/a (estimate) | 614 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 51.2 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 51 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 204.8 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 5 | n/a | 256.0 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 102.4 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 11 | n/a (estimate) | 563 | 1,715 | 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 71% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 1 violent crimes reported in Mason City, equivalent to 51 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 85.7%. Additionally, Mason City recorded 11 property crimes, amounting to 563 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 68%.
Boasting a crime rate of 614, well below the national average of 2119, Mason City emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Mason City to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.
Mason City stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 51 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Mason City secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Mason City registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Mason City maintains a property crime rate of 563 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Mason City as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
To determine if Mason City 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. Mason City has a total crime rate that is 71% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.03 daily crimes (0 violent daily crimes and 0.03 daily property crimes) in Mason City.
Year-over-year crime rates in Mason City has decreased by 29.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Mason City is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 87.5%, while property crime has decreased by 22.2%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Mason City.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Mason City, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 1.4%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
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 $142,590, compared to a national average of $326,622.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Mason City are $923, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.

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| Item | Mason City | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 5 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Illinois /100K | National /100K |
| Illinois | 32,213 | 263 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Petersburg, IL | 2,626 | 109 | 645 | 754 |
| Delavan, IL | 1,775 | 124 | 735 | 859 |
| Elkhart, IL | 469 | 347 | 2,060 | 2,407 |
| Emden, IL | 414 | 376 | 2,233 | 2,609 |
| New Holland, IL | 267 | 377 | 2,236 | 2,613 |
| Broadwell, IL | 196 | 385 | 2,287 | 2,672 |
| Oakford, IL | 198 | 386 | 2,291 | 2,677 |
| Mason City, IL | 2,414 | 51 | 563 | 614 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fairfield Bay, AR | 2,414 | 229 | 1,373 | 1,602 |
| West Branch, IA | 2,414 | 106 | 317 | 422 |
| Stevenson, AL | 2,413 | 353 | 1,212 | 1,565 |
| Grissom AFB, IN | 2,416 | 163 | 719 | 883 |
| Lamoni, IA | 2,412 | 122 | 651 | 773 |
| Mason City, IL | 2,414 | 51 | 563 | 614 |