| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Spencer/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 120 | n/a (estimate) | 1,043 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 26.1 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 17.4 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1 | n/a | 8.7 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 6 | n/a (estimate) | 52 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 11 | n/a | 95.6 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 103 | n/a | 895.6 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 114 | n/a (estimate) | 991 | 1,297 | 1,760 |
The Spencer crime rates are 50.8% 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 6 violent crimes in Spencer (52 per 100,000 people), which is 85.5% lower than the national average and there were a total of 114 property crimes (991 per 100,000 residents) which is 43.7% lower than average.
With only 52 incidents per 100,000 people, Spencer boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Spencer has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
In the latest reported crime year, Spencer 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, Spencer was among these cities, with no reported vehicle thefts, reaffirming its commitment to safety and security.
AreaVibes surveyed 12 local residents in Spencer to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 17% of people answered that there was very little crime in Spencer and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 83% 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.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Spencer 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 Spencer crime rate is 51% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.33 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.31 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Spencer. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Spencer has decreased by 18.9%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 45.5%, while property crime has decreased by 16.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Spencer.
Spencer has a population density of 1036.9 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Spencer crime rates.
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 Spencer, the cost of living is 13.61% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The median home price in Spencer is $240,813, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
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 | Spencer | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 27 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 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 |
| West Okoboji, IA | 356 | 98 | 524 | 622 |
| Milford, IA | 3,086 | 110 | 588 | 698 |
| Fostoria, IA | 186 | 237 | 1,265 | 1,502 |
| Everly, IA | 616 | 306 | 1,632 | 1,938 |
| Royal, IA | 522 | 307 | 1,639 | 1,946 |
| Ruthven, IA | 786 | 319 | 1,700 | 2,019 |
| Webb, IA | 186 | 319 | 1,701 | 2,020 |
| Spencer, IA | 11,331 | 52 | 991 | 1,043 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Morgan City, LA | 11,332 | 551 | 2,832 | 3,383 |
| Franklin Lakes, NJ | 11,324 | 27 | 373 | 400 |
| Woodmere, LA | 11,322 | 500 | 2,206 | 2,705 |
| Waimea, HI | 11,340 | 191 | 1,710 | 1,902 |
| DeRidder, LA | 11,341 | 294 | 1,450 | 1,744 |
| Spencer, IA | 11,331 | 52 | 991 | 1,043 |
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