| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waterloo/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,939 | n/a (estimate) | 2,921 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 4.5 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 26 | n/a | 39.2 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 23 | n/a | 34.6 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 264 | n/a | 397.7 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 316 | n/a (estimate) | 476 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 389 | n/a | 586.0 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,101 | n/a | 1,658.5 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 133 | n/a | 200.3 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,623 | n/a (estimate) | 2,445 | 1,297 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Waterloo crime rate is 37.8% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Waterloo, there were 316 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 476 per 100,000 individuals, 32.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, Waterloo recorded 1623 property crimes, amounting to 2445 per 100,000 residents, 38.9% higher than the U.S. average.
What do the local residents think about crime in Waterloo? Well, based on a recent survey of 86 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 38% of Waterloo residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 62% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Waterloo, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Waterloo presents a total crime rate that is 38% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Waterloo experiences an average of 5.31 daily crimes, comprising 0.87 violent incidents and 4.45 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Waterloo crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Waterloo has decreased by 7.5% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 11.2% and property crime has decreased by 6.8%.
Waterloo reports an unemployment rate of 5.6%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Waterloo 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 Waterloo crime rates. For instance, in Waterloo, the population density stands at 1140.9 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
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. Waterloo has a median home price of $206,637, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within 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 | Waterloo | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 134 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 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 |
| Dike, IA | 1,239 | 35 | 187 | 222 |
| Denver, IA | 1,811 | 0 | 256 | 256 |
| Hudson, IA | 2,463 | 56 | 301 | 358 |
| Janesville, IA | 1,077 | 66 | 350 | 416 |
| Reinbeck, IA | 1,737 | 76 | 408 | 485 |
| Jesup, IA | 2,784 | 88 | 470 | 558 |
| La Porte City, IA | 2,623 | 102 | 543 | 645 |
| Waterloo, IA | 70,052 | 476 | 2,445 | 2,921 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Eau Claire, WI | 70,119 | 162 | 1,906 | 2,068 |
| Bossier City, LA | 70,171 | 913 | 3,680 | 4,593 |
| Palo Alto, CA | 70,212 | 212 | 3,033 | 3,245 |
| Yorba Linda, CA | 70,241 | 93 | 765 | 858 |
| St. Cloud, MN | 69,805 | 408 | 2,915 | 3,323 |
| Waterloo, IA | 70,052 | 476 | 2,445 | 2,921 |
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