| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Van Meter/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 110 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1 | n/a | 55.2 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 55 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1 | n/a | 55.2 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 55 | 1,297 | 1,760 |
The Van Meter crime rates are 94.8% 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 1 violent crimes in Van Meter (55 per 100,000 people), which is 84.6% lower than the national average and there were a total of 1 property crimes (55 per 100,000 residents) which is 96.9% lower than average.
Van Meter enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 110, a significant contrast to the national average of 2119. This distinction firmly establishes Van Meter as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.
Van Meter stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 55 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Van Meter secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Van Meter reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
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, Van Meter maintains a property crime rate of 55 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Van Meter as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. Van Meter was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Van Meter, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Van Meter presents a total crime rate that is 95% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Van Meter experiences an average of 0.01 daily crimes, comprising 0 violent incidents and 0 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Van Meter crime rate. The poverty level in Van Meter is 1.5%, while the national average is 15.1%.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Van Meter stands at $353,064, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
Van Meter has an average rental rate of $1,182 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. 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.
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 | Van Meter | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 | 11,804 | 109 | 180 | 289 |
| Earlham, IA | 1,410 | 212 | 142 | 354 |
| Dallas Center, IA | 1,744 | 66 | 352 | 418 |
| Cumming, IA | 550 | 98 | 524 | 622 |
| Adel, IA | 5,057 | 76 | 639 | 715 |
| Urbandale, IA | 45,000 | 89 | 635 | 724 |
| Grimes, IA | 14,059 | 118 | 630 | 748 |
| Van Meter, IA | 1,436 | 55 | 55 | 110 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Princeton, NC | 1,436 | 164 | 856 | 1,020 |
| Lincolndale, NY | 1,436 | 53 | 241 | 295 |
| Valley Mills, TX | 1,436 | 76 | 228 | 304 |
| Monticello, MS | 1,436 | 71 | 464 | 535 |
| Springfield, CO | 1,436 | 78 | 313 | 391 |
| Van Meter, IA | 1,436 | 55 | 55 | 110 |
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