| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Newton/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 277 | n/a (estimate) | 1,774 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 14 | n/a | 89.7 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 25.6 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 42 | n/a | 269.0 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 60 | n/a (estimate) | 384 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 39 | n/a | 249.8 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 168 | n/a | 1,076.2 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 10 | n/a | 64.1 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 217 | n/a (estimate) | 1,390 | 1,297 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Newton crime rate is lower than the national average by 16.3%. Specifically, there were 60 violent crimes in Newton, equivalent to 384 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 7%. Furthermore, Newton recorded 217 property crimes, amounting to 1390 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 21%.
Newton exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 384 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 359. This uniformity underscores Newton as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
In the most recently reported crime year, Newton 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.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Newton residents. Out of the respondents (5 in total), 40% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Newton were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 60% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Newton 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. Newton has a total crime rate that is 16% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.76 daily crimes (0.16 violent daily crimes and 0.59 daily property crimes) in Newton.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Newton. 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 Newton has decreased by 9.8%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 7.1%, while property crime has decreased by 13.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Newton.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Newton crime rates. Newton registers a population density of 1382 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Newton, 85.2% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Newton, the cost of living is 14.65% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
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 | Newton | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 28 | 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 |
| Prairie City, IA | 1,880 | 58 | 175 | 233 |
| Colfax, IA | 1,935 | 132 | 309 | 442 |
| Monroe, IA | 1,848 | 148 | 346 | 494 |
| Oakland Acres, IA | 205 | 127 | 679 | 807 |
| Lambs Grove, IA | 236 | 208 | 1,110 | 1,318 |
| Sully, IA | 983 | 232 | 1,240 | 1,473 |
| Baxter, IA | 963 | 245 | 1,309 | 1,554 |
| Newton, IA | 15,563 | 384 | 1,390 | 1,774 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Tonawanda city, NY | 15,560 | 518 | 2,344 | 2,862 |
| Greenwood Village, CO | 15,570 | 392 | 6,222 | 6,614 |
| Weston, WI | 15,555 | 274 | 1,136 | 1,410 |
| St. Augustine, FL | 15,581 | 141 | 750 | 891 |
| Graham, NC | 15,581 | 346 | 1,880 | 2,227 |
| Newton, IA | 15,563 | 384 | 1,390 | 1,774 |
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