| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waterloo/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,043 | n/a (estimate) | 3,072 | 1,618 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 9 | n/a | 13.5 | 1.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 29 | n/a | 43.6 | 42.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 43 | n/a | 64.7 | 21.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 304 | n/a | 457.1 | 220.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 385 | n/a (estimate) | 579 | 287 | 370 |
| Burglary | 369 | n/a | 554.9 | 218.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,078 | n/a | 1,621.0 | 965.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 211 | n/a | 317.3 | 147.4 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,658 | n/a (estimate) | 2,493 | 1,332 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Waterloo crime rate is 32.2% 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 385 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 579 per 100,000 individuals, 56.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, Waterloo recorded 1658 property crimes, amounting to 2493 per 100,000 residents, 27.6% higher than the U.S. average.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Waterloo is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 9 murders in Waterloo, which equates to 14 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Waterloo being a very dangerous place to live.
AreaVibes surveyed 78 local residents in Waterloo to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 36% of people answered that there was very little crime in Waterloo and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 64% 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 Waterloo 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, Waterloo has an overall crime rate that is 32% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 5.6 daily occurrences, comprising 1.05 violent crimes and 4.54 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Waterloo as a potential place to establish residency.
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 2.6% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 8.2% and property crime has decreased by 4.8%.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Waterloo crime rates. In Waterloo, the poverty rate stands at 17.5%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Waterloo is $117,000, compared to a national average of $184,700.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Waterloo are $776, compared to a national average of $949 per month.
| 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 | 1,192 | 61 | 283 | 344 |
| Hudson, IA | 2,409 | 79 | 369 | 448 |
| Denver, IA | 1,759 | 89 | 415 | 504 |
| Reinbeck, IA | 1,690 | 94 | 440 | 535 |
| Jesup, IA | 2,725 | 100 | 466 | 567 |
| Elk Run Heights, IA | 943 | 102 | 474 | 576 |
| La Porte City, IA | 2,556 | 126 | 588 | 715 |
| Waterloo, IA | 67,671 | 579 | 2,493 | 3,072 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mount Vernon, NY | 67,623 | 462 | 1,561 | 2,023 |
| Muncie, IN | 67,739 | 482 | 2,718 | 3,200 |
| Rogers, AR | 67,787 | 395 | 2,134 | 2,529 |
| Palatine, IL | 67,875 | 109 | 790 | 899 |
| Gaithersburg, MD | 67,878 | 379 | 1,556 | 1,934 |
| Waterloo, IA | 67,671 | 579 | 2,493 | 3,072 |
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