Dubuque, IA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Dubuque, IA

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Dubuque crime rate is lower than the national average by 2.6%. Specifically, there were 277 violent crimes in Dubuque, equivalent to 472 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 27.7%. Furthermore, Dubuque recorded 1052 property crimes, amounting to 1793 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 8.3%.

When evaluating the Dubuque crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Dubuque crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

Dubuque exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1793 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 Dubuque maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Dubuque?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Dubuque. Based on the results of the surveys (51 responses), 63% of people felt that there was very little crime in Dubuque and felt safe walking alone at night. While 37% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Dubuque a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Dubuque 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 Dubuque crime rate is 3% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 3.64 crimes per day - 0.76 violent crimes and 2.88 property crimes.

Has Crime in Dubuque Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Dubuque. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Dubuque has decreased by 7.5%. Violent crimes have increased by 9.9%, while property crimes have decreased by 11.2%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Dubuque

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Dubuque crime rates. The population density in Dubuque is 1877.4 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

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 Dubuque, 87.3% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

In Dubuque, the median home price stands at $147,900, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

Dubuque crime map