| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | West Branch/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 12 | n/a (estimate) | 422 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 35.2 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 70.4 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 106 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 35.2 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 8 | n/a | 281.6 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 9 | n/a (estimate) | 317 | 1,297 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in West Branch is 80.1% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In West Branch, there were 3 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 106 per 100,000 individuals, 70.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 9 property crimes, amounting to 317 per 100,000 residents, 82% lower than the U.S. average.
West Branch proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 422, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2119. This stark contrast firmly positions West Branch as one of the most secure residential destinations throughout the entire United States. The total crime rate takes into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people, offering an invaluable assessment of the area's safety suitability for living.
With only 106 incidents per 100,000 people, West Branch 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, West Branch has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
During the most recently reported crime year, West Branch experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
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, West Branch maintains a property crime rate of 317 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of West Branch as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
The United States contends with some of the globe's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, merely a small fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by vehicle theft reports. In this regard, West Branch stands out as one of those cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in its most recent crime report.
To get a feel for the safety of living in West Branch, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. West Branch presents a total crime rate that is 80% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, West Branch experiences an average of 0.03 daily crimes, comprising 0.01 violent incidents and 0.02 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 rates in West Branch has decreased by 25% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not West Branch 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 decreased by 40%, while property crime has decreased by 18.2%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in West Branch.
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 West Branch crime rate. The poverty level in West Branch is 12.6%, while the national average is 15.1%.
In West Branch, the current unemployment rate stands at 1.1%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall West Branch crime rates.
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 West Branch are $1,209, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
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| Item | West Branch | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 3 | 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 |
| University Heights, IA | 1,377 | 85 | 0 | 85 |
| Solon, IA | 2,747 | 43 | 229 | 272 |
| Ely, IA | 2,272 | 50 | 267 | 317 |
| Riverside, IA | 1,041 | 73 | 390 | 463 |
| North Liberty, IA | 19,749 | 69 | 398 | 467 |
| Lone Tree, IA | 1,418 | 82 | 438 | 520 |
| West Liberty, IA | 3,829 | 380 | 271 | 651 |
| West Branch, IA | 2,414 | 106 | 317 | 422 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mason City, IL | 2,414 | 51 | 563 | 614 |
| Fairfield Bay, AR | 2,414 | 229 | 1,373 | 1,602 |
| Stevenson, AL | 2,413 | 353 | 1,212 | 1,565 |
| Grissom AFB, IN | 2,416 | 163 | 719 | 883 |
| Lamoni, IA | 2,412 | 122 | 651 | 773 |
| West Branch, IA | 2,414 | 106 | 317 | 422 |
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