| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Sheldon/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 53 | n/a (estimate) | 982 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 55.6 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 17 | n/a | 315.0 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 20 | n/a (estimate) | 371 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 92.7 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 26 | n/a | 481.8 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 37.1 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 33 | n/a (estimate) | 612 | 1,297 | 1,760 |
The Sheldon crime rates are 53.7% 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 20 violent crimes in Sheldon (371 per 100,000 people), which is 3.2% higher than the national average and there were a total of 33 property crimes (612 per 100,000 residents) which is 65.3% lower than average.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Sheldon has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 371 violent crimes, while the national average reported 359. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.
Sheldon showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Sheldon has a property crime rate of 612 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1760. This is a good indicator that Sheldon is a safe place to live.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Sheldon, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Sheldon presents a total crime rate that is 54% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Sheldon experiences an average of 0.15 daily crimes, comprising 0.05 violent incidents and 0.09 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
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 Sheldon 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 Sheldon has decreased by 1.9% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 185.7% and property crime has decreased by 29.8%.
Sheldon has a poverty rate of 11.2, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
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 Sheldon, the cost of living is 13.75% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
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 Sheldon is $260,261, compared to a national average of $326,622.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Sheldon | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 7 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.4 | 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 |
| Orange City, IA | 6,341 | 47 | 186 | 233 |
| Hull, IA | 2,033 | 65 | 347 | 412 |
| Alton, IA | 1,583 | 74 | 395 | 469 |
| Primghar, IA | 1,057 | 101 | 539 | 640 |
| Sanborn, IA | 1,404 | 103 | 548 | 651 |
| George, IA | 1,040 | 103 | 551 | 654 |
| Boyden, IA | 928 | 234 | 1,247 | 1,481 |
| Sheldon, IA | 5,334 | 371 | 612 | 982 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Byron, GA | 5,334 | 159 | 1,067 | 1,227 |
| LaBelle, FL | 5,333 | 285 | 1,513 | 1,798 |
| Moyock, NC | 5,332 | 122 | 640 | 762 |
| Granite Shoals, TX | 5,336 | 108 | 288 | 396 |
| Chisago City, MN | 5,337 | 155 | 966 | 1,120 |
| Sheldon, IA | 5,334 | 371 | 612 | 982 |
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