| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Perry/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 79 | n/a (estimate) | 985 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 24.9 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 24.9 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 24.9 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 26 | n/a | 324.1 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 32 | n/a (estimate) | 399 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 12 | n/a | 149.6 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 29 | n/a | 361.5 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 74.8 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 47 | n/a (estimate) | 586 | 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 Perry crime rate is lower than the national average by 53.5%. Specifically, there were 32 violent crimes in Perry, equivalent to 399 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 11.1%. Furthermore, Perry recorded 47 property crimes, amounting to 586 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 66.7%.
Perry exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 399 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 359. This uniformity underscores Perry as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Perry is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 2 murders in Perry, which equates to 25 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Perry being a very dangerous place to live.
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, Perry maintains a property crime rate of 586 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Perry as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
AreaVibes surveyed 6 local residents in Perry to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 33% of people answered that there was very little crime in Perry and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 67% 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.
Determining whether Perry is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Perry has an overall crime rate that is 54% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.22 daily occurrences, comprising 0.09 violent crimes and 0.13 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Perry as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Perry. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Perry has decreased by 36.3%. Violent crimes have increased by 88.2%, while property crimes have decreased by 56.1%. 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.
Perry reports an unemployment rate of 6.3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Perry crime rates.
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 Perry crime rates. Perry registers a population density of 1499.5 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Perry has an average rental rate of $1,221 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.

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| Item | Perry | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 19 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 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 |
| Ogden, IA | 1,809 | 51 | 154 | 205 |
| Granger, IA | 1,931 | 34 | 182 | 216 |
| Woodward, IA | 1,280 | 146 | 146 | 293 |
| Panora, IA | 1,551 | 92 | 277 | 370 |
| Dallas Center, IA | 1,744 | 66 | 352 | 418 |
| Madrid, IA | 2,660 | 90 | 479 | 569 |
| Luther, IA | 158 | 211 | 1,125 | 1,336 |
| Perry, IA | 7,820 | 399 | 586 | 985 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Oceano, CA | 7,820 | 439 | 1,876 | 2,314 |
| Corning, CA | 7,816 | 948 | 1,696 | 2,643 |
| Decorah, IA | 7,825 | 119 | 224 | 343 |
| Baldwin Harbor, NY | 7,814 | 233 | 1,054 | 1,287 |
| Yreka, CA | 7,814 | 704 | 2,445 | 3,149 |
| Perry, IA | 7,820 | 399 | 586 | 985 |