| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Winterset/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 49 | n/a (estimate) | 912 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 93.1 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 5 | n/a | 93.1 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 186 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 7 | n/a | 130.3 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 29 | n/a | 539.7 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 55.8 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 39 | n/a (estimate) | 726 | 1,297 | 1,760 |

The Winterset crime rates are 57% 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 10 violent crimes in Winterset (186 per 100,000 people), which is 48.2% lower than the national average and there were a total of 39 property crimes (726 per 100,000 residents) which is 58.8% lower than average.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Winterset 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.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Winterset, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Winterset presents a total crime rate that is 57% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Winterset experiences an average of 0.13 daily crimes, comprising 0.03 violent incidents and 0.11 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 Winterset 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 Winterset has decreased by 40.2% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 60% and property crime has decreased by 31.6%.
In Winterset, the poverty rate currently stands at 8.4%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Winterset crime rates.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Winterset crime rates. Winterset registers a population density of 1193.2 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Winterset are $1,172, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Winterset | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 8 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.5 | 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 |
| Van Meter, IA | 1,436 | 55 | 55 | 110 |
| Earlham, IA | 1,410 | 212 | 142 | 354 |
| Cumming, IA | 550 | 98 | 524 | 622 |
| Diamondhead Lake, IA | 263 | 98 | 524 | 622 |
| St. Charles, IA | 813 | 211 | 1,126 | 1,337 |
| St. Marys, IA | 188 | 211 | 1,127 | 1,338 |
| Dexter, IA | 585 | 242 | 1,293 | 1,536 |
| Winterset, IA | 5,460 | 186 | 726 | 912 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Adel, GA | 5,459 | 344 | 1,765 | 2,109 |
| Bulverde, TX | 5,461 | 148 | 2,019 | 2,167 |
| Central, SC | 5,461 | 56 | 1,255 | 1,311 |
| Waynesville, MO | 5,458 | 439 | 952 | 1,391 |
| Hawkinsville, GA | 5,458 | 311 | 1,598 | 1,909 |
| Winterset, IA | 5,460 | 186 | 726 | 912 |