| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ottumwa/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 759 | n/a (estimate) | 3,014 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 7.9 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 21 | n/a | 83.4 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 7 | n/a | 27.8 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 70 | n/a | 277.9 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 100 | n/a (estimate) | 397 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 108 | n/a | 428.8 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 490 | n/a | 1,945.6 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 61 | n/a | 242.2 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 659 | n/a (estimate) | 2,617 | 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 Ottumwa crime rate is higher than the national average by 42.2%. Specifically, there were 100 violent crimes in Ottumwa, equivalent to 397 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 10.6%. Furthermore, Ottumwa recorded 659 property crimes, amounting to 2617 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 48.7%.
When it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, Ottumwa maintains a rate that is very similar to the national average. With 397 reported violent crimes, it falls in line with the national average of 359. This alignment suggests that Ottumwa shares a similar crime profile with other cities, highlighting its comparable level of safety within the broader urban landscape.
AreaVibes surveyed 103 local residents in Ottumwa to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 20% of people answered that there was very little crime in Ottumwa and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 80% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Is Ottumwa 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, Ottumwa has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 42%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.08 daily incidents, encompassing 0.27 violent crimes and 1.81 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa has decreased by 23.9% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 52.6% and property crime has decreased by 16.2%.
In Ottumwa, the poverty rate currently stands at 18.1%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Ottumwa crime rates.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Ottumwa crime rates. For instance, in Ottumwa, the population density stands at 1586.9 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Ottumwa, the cost of living is 17.58% 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.
| Item | Ottumwa | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 47 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 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 |
| Eddyville, IA | 1,169 | 111 | 592 | 703 |
| Agency, IA | 648 | 286 | 1,525 | 1,810 |
| Fremont, IA | 830 | 303 | 1,617 | 1,920 |
| Blakesburg, IA | 240 | 315 | 1,682 | 1,998 |
| Batavia, IA | 572 | 318 | 1,698 | 2,016 |
| Hedrick, IA | 666 | 321 | 1,714 | 2,035 |
| Kirkville, IA | 257 | 323 | 1,724 | 2,047 |
| Ottumwa, IA | 25,168 | 397 | 2,617 | 3,014 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Norton Shores, MI | 25,151 | 192 | 1,884 | 2,076 |
| Mequon, WI | 25,189 | 39 | 559 | 598 |
| Loma Linda, CA | 25,144 | 341 | 1,537 | 1,878 |
| Watauga, TX | 25,192 | 114 | 854 | 968 |
| Trotwood, OH | 25,200 | 699 | 2,817 | 3,516 |
| Ottumwa, IA | 25,168 | 397 | 2,617 | 3,014 |
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