| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Spirit Lake/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 96 | n/a (estimate) | 1,728 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 18.0 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 18 | n/a | 323.9 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 19 | n/a (estimate) | 342 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 13 | n/a | 233.9 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 60 | n/a | 1,079.7 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 72.0 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 77 | n/a (estimate) | 1,386 | 1,297 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Spirit Lake is 18.5% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Spirit Lake, there were 19 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 342 per 100,000 individuals, 4.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 77 property crimes, amounting to 1386 per 100,000 residents, 21.3% lower than the U.S. average.
The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Spirit Lake is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Spirit Lake reported 342 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 359.
Spirit Lake 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.
Determining whether Spirit Lake is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Spirit Lake has an overall crime rate that is 18% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.26 daily occurrences, comprising 0.05 violent crimes and 0.21 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Spirit Lake as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Spirit Lake has increased by 6.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Spirit Lake, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 171.4%, while property crime has increased by 7.2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Spirit Lake is a safe place to live.
In Spirit Lake, the poverty rate currently stands at 8.2%, 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 Spirit Lake crime rates.
In Spirit Lake, the cost of living is 3.4% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
In Spirit Lake, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.03 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.
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 | Spirit Lake | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 10 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 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 |
| Lake Park, IA | 1,235 | 87 | 463 | 550 |
| Estherville, IA | 5,853 | 275 | 310 | 585 |
| Okoboji, IA | 945 | 98 | 524 | 622 |
| West Okoboji, IA | 356 | 98 | 524 | 622 |
| Orleans, IA | 539 | 98 | 524 | 622 |
| Arnolds Park, IA | 999 | 98 | 524 | 622 |
| Wahpeton, IA | 429 | 98 | 524 | 622 |
| Spirit Lake, IA | 5,248 | 342 | 1,386 | 1,728 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Kenneth City, FL | 5,248 | 211 | 1,123 | 1,334 |
| Collegeville, PA | 5,249 | 73 | 623 | 696 |
| Grandwood Park, IL | 5,247 | 94 | 558 | 652 |
| Summit, AZ | 5,250 | 489 | 2,077 | 2,566 |
| Oak Point, TX | 5,250 | 127 | 663 | 790 |
| Spirit Lake, IA | 5,248 | 342 | 1,386 | 1,728 |
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