| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Preston/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 1,070 | 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 | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 0 | n/a (estimate) | 0 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 107.0 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 9 | n/a | 962.6 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 1,070 | 1,297 | 1,760 |

The Preston crime rates are 49.5% 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 0 violent crimes in Preston (0 per 100,000 people), which is 100% lower than the national average and there were a total of 10 property crimes (1070 per 100,000 residents) which is 39.2% lower than average.
In the most recent Preston crime report, it stands out for its remarkable safety record, reporting zero instances of violent crime. Violent crimes are a pivotal measure of a city's overall safety, and in Preston, the absence of such incidents highlights just how safe it is. This underscores this area as an urban environment where residents and visitors can enjoy a high level of safety and peace of mind when it comes to violent crime and overall safety.
In the latest reported crime year, Preston recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
The United States faces a global challenge with vehicle theft rates, averaging around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Interestingly, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to not report any stolen vehicles. In the latest crime report, Preston was among these cities, with no reported vehicle thefts, reaffirming its commitment to safety and security.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Preston, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Preston presents a total crime rate that is 50% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Preston experiences an average of 0.03 daily crimes, comprising 0 violent incidents and 0.03 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Preston, 88.4% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Preston has a median home price of $245,961, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Preston, the average monthly rent stands at $1,097, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Preston | 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 |
| Bellevue, IA | 2,126 | 78 | 418 | 496 |
| Hanover, IL | 737 | 0 | 959 | 959 |
| Savanna, IL | 3,028 | 156 | 923 | 1,078 |
| Fulton, IL | 3,333 | 113 | 1,158 | 1,271 |
| Miles, IA | 403 | 264 | 1,407 | 1,670 |
| Springbrook, IA | 133 | 268 | 1,429 | 1,697 |
| Delmar, IA | 511 | 282 | 1,503 | 1,785 |
| Preston, IA | 1,045 | 0 | 1,070 | 1,070 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Alleghenyville, PA | 1,045 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Casa Blanca, AZ | 1,045 | 227 | 964 | 1,191 |
| Dash Point, WA | 1,045 | 46 | 346 | 392 |
| Hardwick, VT | 1,045 | 134 | 2,236 | 2,370 |
| Hilltop, MN | 1,045 | 144 | 902 | 1,046 |
| Preston, IA | 1,045 | 0 | 1,070 | 1,070 |