| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Urbandale/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 369 | n/a (estimate) | 797 | 1,618 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 6.5 | 42.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 6.5 | 21.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 43 | n/a | 92.9 | 220.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 49 | n/a (estimate) | 106 | 287 | 370 |
| Burglary | 36 | n/a | 77.8 | 218.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 236 | n/a | 509.9 | 965.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 48 | n/a | 103.7 | 147.4 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 320 | n/a (estimate) | 691 | 1,332 | 1,954 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Urbandale is 65.7% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 49 violent crimes reported in Urbandale, equivalent to 106 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 71.4%. Additionally, Urbandale recorded 320 property crimes, amounting to 691 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 64.6%.
Urbandale has a crime rate of 797, which is considerably less than the national average of 2324. This results in Urbandale being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.
With only 106 incidents per 100,000 people, Urbandale 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, Urbandale 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, Urbandale 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.
Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Urbandale maintains a property crime rate of 691 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1954. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Urbandale as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
AreaVibes surveyed 8 local residents in Urbandale to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 75% of people answered that there was very little crime in Urbandale and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 25% 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.
Determining whether Urbandale 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, Urbandale has an overall crime rate that is 66% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.01 daily occurrences, comprising 0.13 violent crimes and 0.88 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Urbandale as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Urbandale. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Urbandale has decreased by 19.6%. Violent crimes have decreased by 5.8%, while property crimes have decreased by 21.4%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Urbandale has a poverty rate that stands at 5.4, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Urbandale crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
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 Urbandale, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.28, 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.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Urbandale has a median home price of $242,500, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Urbandale | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 52 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.3 | 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 |
| Norwalk, IA | 11,467 | 56 | 210 | 266 |
| Polk City, IA | 4,797 | 68 | 287 | 355 |
| Granger, IA | 1,890 | 73 | 340 | 413 |
| Dallas Center, IA | 1,710 | 92 | 429 | 521 |
| Van Meter, IA | 1,386 | 96 | 449 | 546 |
| Saylorville, IA | 2,743 | 102 | 473 | 575 |
| Cumming, IA | 536 | 116 | 538 | 654 |
| Urbandale, IA | 43,879 | 106 | 691 | 797 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| El Centro, CA | 43,881 | 343 | 2,085 | 2,428 |
| Cutler Bay, FL | 43,928 | 251 | 1,516 | 1,766 |
| Riverton, UT | 43,793 | 80 | 1,093 | 1,173 |
| The Colony, TX | 43,791 | 291 | 2,818 | 3,109 |
| Altamonte Springs, FL | 43,969 | 395 | 2,297 | 2,692 |
| Urbandale, IA | 43,879 | 106 | 691 | 797 |
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