| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Postville/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 21 | n/a (estimate) | 880 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 7 | n/a | 293.4 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 7 | n/a (estimate) | 293 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 10 | n/a | 419.1 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 167.6 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 14 | n/a (estimate) | 587 | 1,297 | 1,760 |

The Postville crime rates are 58.5% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 7 violent crimes in Postville (293 per 100,000 people), which is 18.3% lower than the national average and there were a total of 14 property crimes (587 per 100,000 residents) which is 66.7% lower than average.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Postville reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
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, Postville maintains a property crime rate of 587 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Postville as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
Is Postville 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, Postville has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 58%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.06 daily incidents, encompassing 0.02 violent crimes and 0.04 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Postville 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 Postville 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 Postville has decreased by 48.8% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 40% and property crime has decreased by 61.1%.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, 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 Postville, the cost of living is 18.96% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In Postville, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 0 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Postville is $172,405, compared to a national average of $326,622.
| Item | Postville | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Waukon, IA | 3,770 | 27 | 425 | 452 |
| Monona, IA | 1,686 | 87 | 463 | 549 |
| West Union, IA | 2,718 | 104 | 555 | 660 |
| Ossian, IA | 828 | 241 | 1,285 | 1,526 |
| Clermont, IA | 499 | 257 | 1,371 | 1,627 |
| Luana, IA | 248 | 281 | 1,498 | 1,779 |
| Elgin, IA | 663 | 283 | 1,510 | 1,793 |
| Postville, IA | 2,624 | 293 | 587 | 880 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Keeseville, NY | 2,624 | 207 | 936 | 1,142 |
| Carthage, TN | 2,623 | 532 | 2,173 | 2,705 |
| La Porte City, IA | 2,623 | 102 | 543 | 645 |
| Garland, UT | 2,623 | 106 | 649 | 754 |
| Brewster Hill, NY | 2,625 | 128 | 579 | 707 |
| Postville, IA | 2,624 | 293 | 587 | 880 |