| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ottumwa/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 862 | n/a (estimate) | 3,442 | 1,721 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 4.0 | 2.5 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 17 | n/a | 67.9 | 41.3 | 38.0 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 24.0 | 22.3 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 77 | n/a | 307.5 | 213.9 | 264.1 |
| Violent crime | 101 | n/a (estimate) | 403 | 280 | 364 |
| Burglary | 140 | n/a | 559.1 | 218.6 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 518 | n/a | 2,068.7 | 1,056.8 | 1,347.2 |
| Vehicle theft | 103 | n/a | 411.3 | 165.2 | 318.7 |
| Property crime | 761 | n/a (estimate) | 3,039 | 1,441 | 1,917 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Ottumwa crime rate is 91.5% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Ottumwa, there were 196 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 776 per 100,000 individuals, 109.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, Ottumwa recorded 928 property crimes, amounting to 3675 per 100,000 residents, 88.1% higher than the U.S. average.
Ottumwa has a crime rate of 4452 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 91.54%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Ottumwa. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
Ottumwa ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 776 per 100,000 people, Ottumwa is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 129 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Ottumwa, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
With a property crime rate of 3675 crimes per 100,000 people, Ottumwa unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Ottumwa is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 28, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Ottumwa residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 87 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 17% of Ottumwa residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 83% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Ottumwa a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Ottumwa crime rate is 92% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 3.08 crimes per day - 0.54 violent crimes and 2.54 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Ottumwa. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Ottumwa has increased by 12.7%. Violent crimes have decreased by 7.1%, while property crimes have increased by 18.1%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In Ottumwa, 78.7% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
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 Ottumwa, there are 1.88 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.
In Ottumwa, the median home price stands at $75,800, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| 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 | 1,142 | 128 | 657 | 785 |
| Agency, IA | 625 | 329 | 1,694 | 2,023 |
| Fremont, IA | 804 | 349 | 1,797 | 2,146 |
| Blakesburg, IA | 232 | 363 | 1,869 | 2,232 |
| Batavia, IA | 557 | 367 | 1,887 | 2,253 |
| Hedrick, IA | 652 | 370 | 1,904 | 2,274 |
| Kirkville, IA | 251 | 372 | 1,915 | 2,287 |
| Ottumwa, IA | 24,505 | 403 | 3,039 | 3,442 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Key West, FL | 24,495 | 361 | 2,125 | 2,486 |
| Homer Glen, IL | 24,521 | 16 | 262 | 278 |
| Collinsville, IL | 24,489 | 235 | 1,828 | 2,063 |
| Watauga, TX | 24,487 | 162 | 1,365 | 1,528 |
| Coronado, CA | 24,526 | 310 | 1,995 | 2,305 |
| Ottumwa, IA | 24,505 | 403 | 3,039 | 3,442 |
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