Clear Lake, IA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Clear Lake, IA

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Clear Lake is 11.3% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 53 violent crimes reported in Clear Lake, equivalent to 707 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 91.1%. Additionally, Clear Lake recorded 141 property crimes, amounting to 1880 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 3.8%.

In terms of the total Clear Lake crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Clear Lake, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.

Clear Lake has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 707 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Clear Lake falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 142 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.

During the most recently reported crime year, Clear Lake 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.

Clear Lake exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1880 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1954 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Clear Lake maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

Is Clear Lake a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Clear Lake a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Clear Lake crime rate is 11% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.53 crimes per day - 0.15 violent crimes and 0.39 property crimes.

Has Crime in Clear Lake Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Clear Lake has didn't change by 0%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Clear Lake, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 152.4%, while property crime has didn't change by 18.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Clear Lake is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Clear Lake

Clear Lake reports an unemployment rate of 1.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Clear Lake crime rates.

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Clear Lake crime rates. For instance, in Clear Lake, the population density stands at 704.5 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

Clear Lake has an average rental rate of $636 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Clear Lake crime map