| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Spirit Lake/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 117 | n/a (estimate) | 2,148 | 1,618 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 36.7 | 42.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 18.4 | 21.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 12 | n/a | 220.3 | 220.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 15 | n/a (estimate) | 275 | 287 | 370 |
| Burglary | 17 | n/a | 312.0 | 218.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 79 | n/a | 1,450.1 | 965.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 110.1 | 147.4 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 102 | n/a (estimate) | 1,872 | 1,332 | 1,954 |
The Spirit Lake crime rates are 7.6% 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 15 violent crimes in Spirit Lake (275 per 100,000 people), which is 25.6% lower than the national average and there were a total of 102 property crimes (1872 per 100,000 residents) which is 4.2% lower than average.
When assessing the overall crime rate in Spirit Lake per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Spirit Lake crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
In the latest reported crime year, Spirit Lake 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.
In the most recent release, Spirit Lake reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Spirit Lake, there were 1872 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.
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 8% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.32 daily occurrences, comprising 0.04 violent crimes and 0.28 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.
Year-over-year crime rates in Spirit Lake has increased by 30% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Spirit Lake is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 114.3%, while property crime has increased by 22.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Spirit Lake.
Spirit Lake has a population density of 1145.6 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Spirit Lake crime rates.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Spirit Lake, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.03, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
Spirit Lake has an average rental rate of $859 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| 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 |
| Arnolds Park, IA | 964 | 73 | 340 | 413 |
| Lake Park, IA | 1,194 | 100 | 464 | 564 |
| Wahpeton, IA | 417 | 116 | 538 | 654 |
| Okoboji, IA | 913 | 116 | 538 | 654 |
| West Okoboji, IA | 345 | 116 | 538 | 654 |
| Orleans, IA | 524 | 116 | 538 | 654 |
| Milford, IA | 3,015 | 116 | 542 | 659 |
| Spirit Lake, IA | 5,130 | 275 | 1,872 | 2,148 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Maplewood, WA | 5,135 | 202 | 1,804 | 2,006 |
| Daleville, AL | 5,125 | 492 | 2,030 | 2,523 |
| Glencoe, AL | 5,125 | 74 | 462 | 536 |
| La Crescent, MN | 5,135 | 38 | 191 | 230 |
| New Martinsville, WV | 5,123 | 248 | 1,095 | 1,343 |
| Spirit Lake, IA | 5,130 | 275 | 1,872 | 2,148 |
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