| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Woodward/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 293 | 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 | 2 | n/a | 146.3 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 146 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 73.2 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 73.2 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 146 | 1,297 | 1,760 |

The Woodward crime rates are 86.2% 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 2 violent crimes in Woodward (146 per 100,000 people), which is 59.3% lower than the national average and there were a total of 2 property crimes (146 per 100,000 residents) which is 91.7% lower than average.
Woodward proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 293, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2119. This stark contrast firmly positions Woodward 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.
Woodward showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
In 1991, property crime rates in the United States soared to over 5,140 crimes per 100,000 people. In the years since, the U.S. property crime rate has continued to decline with the most recent year reporting only 1760 property crimes. In Woodward, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 146, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.
Is Woodward a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Woodward has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 86%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.01 daily incidents, encompassing 0.01 violent crimes and 0.01 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Woodward as a potential place to call home.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Woodward currently has an unemployment rate of 3.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Woodward, 72.7% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
In Woodward, the cost of living is 7.57% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
| Item | Woodward | 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 |
| Ogden, IA | 1,809 | 51 | 154 | 205 |
| Granger, IA | 1,931 | 34 | 182 | 216 |
| Polk City, IA | 4,940 | 31 | 290 | 320 |
| Slater, IA | 1,508 | 66 | 351 | 416 |
| Dallas Center, IA | 1,744 | 66 | 352 | 418 |
| Madrid, IA | 2,660 | 90 | 479 | 569 |
| Grimes, IA | 14,059 | 118 | 630 | 748 |
| Woodward, IA | 1,280 | 146 | 146 | 293 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lakewood Club, MI | 1,280 | 171 | 542 | 713 |
| Laupahoehoe, HI | 1,280 | 85 | 760 | 845 |
| Highland, AR | 1,280 | 0 | 1,132 | 1,132 |
| Cumings, TX | 1,280 | 87 | 458 | 546 |
| Pacific City, OR | 1,280 | 88 | 637 | 725 |
| Woodward, IA | 1,280 | 146 | 146 | 293 |