| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Muscatine/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 342 | n/a (estimate) | 1,474 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 30.2 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 12.9 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 47 | n/a | 202.5 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 57 | n/a (estimate) | 246 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 55 | n/a | 237.0 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 197 | n/a | 848.8 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 33 | n/a | 142.2 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 285 | n/a (estimate) | 1,228 | 1,297 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Muscatine is 30.5% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Muscatine, there were 57 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 246 per 100,000 individuals, 31.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 285 property crimes, amounting to 1228 per 100,000 residents, 30.2% lower than the U.S. average.
During the most recently reported crime year, Muscatine 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.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Muscatine residents. Out of the respondents (46 in total), 63% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Muscatine were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 37% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Muscatine 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, Muscatine has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 30%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.94 daily incidents, encompassing 0.16 violent crimes and 0.78 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Muscatine as a potential place to call home.
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 Muscatine 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 Muscatine has decreased by 28.5% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 31.3% and property crime has decreased by 27.9%.
In Muscatine, the cost of living is 12.77% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Muscatine, there are 1.96 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
Muscatine has an average rental rate of $1,267 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Muscatine | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 45 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 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 |
| Durant, IA | 1,944 | 56 | 167 | 223 |
| Wilton, IA | 2,952 | 170 | 170 | 341 |
| Fruitland, IA | 1,306 | 65 | 348 | 413 |
| West Liberty, IA | 3,829 | 380 | 271 | 651 |
| Atalissa, IA | 367 | 267 | 1,426 | 1,694 |
| Grandview, IA | 498 | 276 | 1,474 | 1,751 |
| Stockton, IA | 166 | 282 | 1,507 | 1,789 |
| Muscatine, IA | 24,516 | 246 | 1,228 | 1,474 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Wekiwa Springs, FL | 24,510 | 112 | 596 | 709 |
| West Springfield, VA | 24,524 | 92 | 659 | 751 |
| Wadsworth, OH | 24,502 | 136 | 975 | 1,111 |
| Van Buren, AR | 24,502 | 475 | 2,045 | 2,520 |
| Newberg, OR | 24,502 | 271 | 1,955 | 2,226 |
| Muscatine, IA | 24,516 | 246 | 1,228 | 1,474 |