Storm Lake, IA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Storm Lake, 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 Storm Lake crime rate is lower than the national average by 27.9%. Specifically, there were 40 violent crimes in Storm Lake, equivalent to 355 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 4.1%. Furthermore, Storm Lake recorded 149 property crimes, amounting to 1322 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 32.4%.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Storm Lake has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 355 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

Storm Lake showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Storm Lake?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Storm Lake residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 8 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 25% of Storm Lake residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 75% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Storm Lake a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Storm Lake is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Storm Lake has an overall crime rate that is 28% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.52 daily occurrences, comprising 0.11 violent crimes and 0.41 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Storm Lake as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Storm Lake Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Storm Lake. 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 Storm Lake has increased by 10.5%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 37.9%, while property crime has increased by 4.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Storm Lake.

Potential Causes for Crime in Storm Lake

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 Storm Lake, 62.4% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Storm Lake, the cost of living is 16.74% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Storm Lake, the average rental rates are $695 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Storm Lake crime map