A+
52%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
67%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
49%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleSpencer/100k peopleIowa/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime128n/a (estimate)1,1191,6182,324
Murder0n/a0.01.76.3
Rape9n/a78.742.540.0
Robbery0n/a0.021.666.1
Assault5n/a43.7220.7268.2
Violent crime14n/a (estimate)122287370
Burglary24n/a209.8218.6269.8
Theft85n/a743.0965.41,401.9
Vehicle theft5n/a43.7147.4282.7
Property crime114n/a (estimate)9971,3321,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Spencer, 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 Spencer crime rate is lower than the national average by 51.9%. Specifically, there were 14 violent crimes in Spencer, equivalent to 122 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 66.9%. Furthermore, Spencer recorded 114 property crimes, amounting to 997 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 49%.

During the most recently reported crime year, Spencer 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Spencer?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Spencer. Based on the results of the surveys (10 responses), 0% of people felt that there was very little crime in Spencer and felt safe walking alone at night. While 100% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Spencer a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Spencer, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Spencer presents a total crime rate that is 52% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Spencer experiences an average of 0.35 daily crimes, comprising 0.04 violent incidents and 0.31 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Spencer Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Spencer. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Spencer has decreased by 13.5%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 27.3%, while property crime has decreased by 16.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Spencer.

Potential Causes for Crime in Spencer

In Spencer, the poverty rate currently stands at 12.3%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Spencer 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 Spencer crime rates. For instance, in Spencer, the population density stands at 1008.3 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Spencer, the median home price stands at $136,400, 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.

Spencer crime map



The Spencer crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Spencer as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Spencer crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Spencer crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
New Real Estate Listings in Spencer Area
Search Homes for Sale in Spencer, IA

Compare Spencer, IA Crime

      vs

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Spencer crime rates are 52% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Spencer are 67% lower than the national average
      • In Spencer you have a 1 in 90 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Spencer is safer than 68% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Spencer has decreased by 17%

      Spencer, IA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Spencer

        See all the best places to live around Spencer
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Spencer?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Spencer?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Spencer poll results

        Daily Crime In Spencer (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Spencer on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of Iowa and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Spencer (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Iowa, are 1.45 times less than the state average and 2.08 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Spencer on a daily basis are 2.34 times less than than Iowa average and 3.02 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Spencer are 1.34 times less than the daily state average and 1.96 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Spencer (higher is better)

        How safe is Spencer, Iowa compared to other cities in Iowa and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Spencer is safer than 81% of the cities in Iowa and 68% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in Iowa and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Spencer. Overall, Spencer is ranked above average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Spencer

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Spencer is 1 in 818
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Spencer is 1 in 101
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Spencer is 1 in 90
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Spencer, Iowa you have a 1 in 818 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 101 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 90 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Spencer.

        Year Over Year Crime In Spencer (per 100,000 people)

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in Spencer, Iowa (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in Spencer has increased by 22%, the amount of property crime in Spencer has decreased by 20%, and the total amount of crime in Spencer has decreased by 17% year over year.

        Spencer police department

        Item Spencer Iowa National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)273,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.41.83.3
        There are a total of 27 Spencer police officers. This results in 2.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 33.5% greater than the Iowa average and 26% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Iowa

        State Total offenders Iowa /100K National /100K
        Iowa6,040205266
        There are a total of 6,040 sex offenders in Iowa. This yields a total of 205 sex offenders in Iowa per 100,000 residents which is 23% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        West Okoboji, IA345116538654
        Milford, IA3,015116542659
        Fostoria, IA1803491,6271,976
        Everly, IA5953751,7452,120
        Rossie, IA833781,7612,139
        Royal, IA5053881,8062,194
        Dickens, IA2064021,8732,275
        Spencer, IA11,0381229971,119

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Franklin Lakes, NJ11,044181,0551,073
        Ontario, OR11,0318426,0066,848
        Middle Island, NY11,0304311,7292,160
        Munhall, PA11,0493491,8462,195
        Holbrook, MA11,0513441,1811,524
        Spencer, IA11,0381229971,119
        Source: The Spencer, IA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.