Safest cities in Iowa

Known as the 'Hawkeye State,' Iowa is renowned for its rolling plains, fertile farmlands, and welcoming communities. Located in the Midwestern United States, Iowa is a major agricultural producer, known for its corn, soybeans, and pork production. The state's economy also includes manufacturing, biotechnology, and renewable energy. Des Moines, the state capital, is a bustling city with a strong financial sector and a vibrant cultural scene, featuring museums, theaters, and festivals. Iowa's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its numerous historical sites, including the Amana Colonies and the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site.

Low crime rates are essential for enhancing the livability of communities in Iowa, making the safest cities highly desirable places to live. Safety provides a foundation for economic stability and community well-being, allowing residents to feel secure in their daily lives. Factors that contribute to the safety of Iowa's cities include community policing, neighborhood watch programs, and active citizen participation. The safest cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, offering a reliable measure of security. This emphasis on safety ensures that residents can enjoy the many amenities and natural attractions Iowa has to offer without the overshadowing concern of crime.

Sioux Center Population: 7,592 305 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 12 Property Crime / 100k: 294 chance of being a victim: 1 in 328

Sioux Center proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Iowa. With only 305 crimes per 100,000 people, Sioux Center has a crime rate that is 91% lower than the Iowa average. This equates to an average of 0.07 crimes per day and a 1 in 328 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Asbury Population: 5,931 334 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 50 Property Crime / 100k: 284 chance of being a victim: 1 in 299

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Asbury comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Iowa with a crime rate of 334 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 117 counts of burglary, 134 counts of theft, 33 counts of vehicle theft, 17 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 33 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Asbury, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

North Liberty Population: 19,159 389 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 114 Property Crime / 100k: 274 chance of being a victim: 1 in 257

With a population of 19,159 and a total crime rate of 389 per 100,000 residents, North Liberty is the 3rd safest city in Iowa. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 78% lower than the Iowa average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Decorah Population: 7,615 440 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 168 Property Crime / 100k: 272 chance of being a victim: 1 in 227

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Decorah is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 440, 92% lower than the Iowa average. This amounts to 0.09 crimes per day and a 1 in 227 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Decorah a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Norwalk Population: 11,467 465 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 47 Property Crime / 100k: 417 chance of being a victim: 1 in 215

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Norwalk consistently ranks high in safety. In Norwalk, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 465, which is 85% lower than the state average.

Eldridge Population: 6,678 635 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 89 Property Crime / 100k: 546 chance of being a victim: 1 in 157

Eldridge has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Iowa. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 635 crimes per 100,000 people, 93% lower than the Iowa average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 44 reports of burglary, 414 reports of theft, 89 reports of vehicle theft, 74 reports of assault, 0 reports of robbery, 15 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Algona Population: 5,415 638 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 469 Property Crime / 100k: 169 chance of being a victim: 1 in 157

Algona ranks as the seventh safest city in Iowa and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 157 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.09 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Algona’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Iowa.

Estherville Population: 5,729 728 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 329 Property Crime / 100k: 399 chance of being a victim: 1 in 137

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Estherville is the 8th safest city in Iowa. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 94% lower than the Iowa average, reporting a total of 728 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Anamosa Population: 5,484 774 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 234 Property Crime / 100k: 540 chance of being a victim: 1 in 129

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Anamosa is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Iowa, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 774 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 94% lower than the state average.

Johnston Population: 22,077 803 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 102 Property Crime / 100k: 701 chance of being a victim: 1 in 125

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Iowa, is Johnston. With a low rate of crime that included 57 burglaries, 587 thefts, 57 vehicle thefts, 69 assaults, 16 robberies, 16 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 75% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Iowa

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Sioux Center	7,592	12	294	305
2	Asbury	5,931	50	284	334
3	North Liberty	19,159	114	274	389
4	Decorah	7,615	168	272	440
5	Norwalk	11,467	47	417	465
6	Eldridge	6,678	89	546	635
7	Algona	5,415	469	169	638
8	Estherville	5,729	329	399	728
9	Anamosa	5,484	234	540	774
10	Johnston	22,077	102	701	803
11	Urbandale	43,879	129	699	829
12	Marion	39,910	233	631	864
13	Independence	6,085	161	707	867
14	Pella	10,279	83	845	928
15	Vinton	5,075	181	766	947
16	Waukee	22,598	154	805	959
17	Le Mars	10,012	330	688	1,018
18	Fairfield	10,327	137	887	1,024
19	Oelwein	5,896	483	552	1,035
20	Denison	8,319	173	891	1,064
21	Glenwood	5,325	251	849	1,100
22	Bettendorf	36,214	106	1,102	1,207
23	Spencer	11,038	96	1,151	1,247
24	Sheldon	5,178	441	808	1,248
25	Webster City	7,699	207	1,075	1,282
26	Ankeny	64,744	135	1,191	1,326
27	Oskaloosa	11,727	253	1,083	1,336
28	Charles City	7,351	265	1,074	1,339
29	Perry	7,660	396	966	1,362
30	Clarinda	5,371	206	1,272	1,478
31	Muscatine	23,661	314	1,174	1,488
32	Creston	7,754	315	1,176	1,491
33	Grinnell	9,069	201	1,330	1,531
34	Clive	17,246	252	1,282	1,534
35	Ames	66,361	170	1,384	1,554
36	Mount Pleasant	8,574	231	1,334	1,565
37	Newton	15,160	326	1,296	1,622
38	Waverly	10,172	652	993	1,645
39	Carroll	9,823	118	1,570	1,688
40	DeWitt	5,215	379	1,462	1,841
41	Osceola	5,160	213	1,683	1,896
42	Storm Lake	10,508	300	1,606	1,906
43	Spirit Lake	5,130	198	1,714	1,912
44	Hiawatha	7,395	448	1,497	1,944
45	Knoxville	7,154	514	1,461	1,975
46	Indianola	15,921	241	1,799	2,040
47	Dubuque	58,052	426	1,622	2,048
48	Altoona	18,917	151	1,916	2,067
49	Red Oak	5,323	402	1,680	2,082
50	Atlantic	6,600	414	1,760	2,174

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Iowa is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Iowa cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.