Newton, IA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Newton, 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 Newton crime rate is lower than the national average by 22.9%. Specifically, there were 69 violent crimes in Newton, equivalent to 443 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 19.9%. Furthermore, Newton recorded 210 property crimes, amounting to 1349 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 31%.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Newton 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.

Is Newton a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Newton is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Newton has a total crime rate that is 23% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.76 daily crimes (0.19 violent daily crimes and 0.58 daily property crimes) in Newton.

Has Crime in Newton Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Newton has decreased by 9.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Newton, 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 23.2%, while property crime has decreased by 16.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Newton is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Newton

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Newton crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Newton has an unemployment rate of 2.6%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

Newton has a population density of 1343.2 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Newton crime rates.

Newton has an average rental rate of $747 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.

Newton crime map