| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Spencer/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 128 | n/a (estimate) | 1,119 | 1,618 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 9 | n/a | 78.7 | 42.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 21.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 5 | n/a | 43.7 | 220.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 14 | n/a (estimate) | 122 | 287 | 370 |
| Burglary | 24 | n/a | 209.8 | 218.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 85 | n/a | 743.0 | 965.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 43.7 | 147.4 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 114 | n/a (estimate) | 997 | 1,332 | 1,954 |
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 Spencer crime rate is lower than the national average by 51.9%. Specifically, there were 14 violent crimes in Spencer, equivalent to 122 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 66.9%. Furthermore, Spencer recorded 114 property crimes, amounting to 997 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 49%.
During the most recently reported crime year, Spencer experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Spencer. Based on the results of the surveys (10 responses), 0% of people felt that there was very little crime in Spencer and felt safe walking alone at night. While 100% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Spencer, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Spencer presents a total crime rate that is 52% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Spencer experiences an average of 0.35 daily crimes, comprising 0.04 violent incidents and 0.31 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
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 13.5%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 27.3%, while property crime has decreased by 16.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Spencer.
In Spencer, the poverty rate currently stands at 12.3%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Spencer crime rates.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Spencer crime rates. For instance, in Spencer, the population density stands at 1008.3 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Spencer, the median home price stands at $136,400, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| 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 | 345 | 116 | 538 | 654 |
| Milford, IA | 3,015 | 116 | 542 | 659 |
| Fostoria, IA | 180 | 349 | 1,627 | 1,976 |
| Everly, IA | 595 | 375 | 1,745 | 2,120 |
| Rossie, IA | 83 | 378 | 1,761 | 2,139 |
| Royal, IA | 505 | 388 | 1,806 | 2,194 |
| Dickens, IA | 206 | 402 | 1,873 | 2,275 |
| Spencer, IA | 11,038 | 122 | 997 | 1,119 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Franklin Lakes, NJ | 11,044 | 18 | 1,055 | 1,073 |
| Ontario, OR | 11,031 | 842 | 6,006 | 6,848 |
| Middle Island, NY | 11,030 | 431 | 1,729 | 2,160 |
| Munhall, PA | 11,049 | 349 | 1,846 | 2,195 |
| Holbrook, MA | 11,051 | 344 | 1,181 | 1,524 |
| Spencer, IA | 11,038 | 122 | 997 | 1,119 |
Here are the best places to live in Iowa
Check out the 10 safest cities in Iowa
10 best cities to buy a new house in Iowa
See the best places to live in & around Spencer