Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Iowa (Updated 2023)

Iowa’s diverse agricultural production has earned it the well-deserved title of the ‘Food Capital of the World’. This recognition is a testament to the state’s ability to produce a wide range of food products that can satisfy the world’s appetite. From cornfields to pig farms, Iowa’s fertile land and favourable climate provide the perfect conditions for growing a variety of crops and raising livestock. It is no wonder that Iowa’s agriculture industry is a vital contributor to the state’s economy and a key player in the global food market.

Iowa, also referred to as the Hawkeye State is a land with a remarkable Native American heritage and captivating natural landscapes.

Despite its reputation as a popular tourist destination, the state also holds the dubious distinction of being the 36th most violent in the country. Shockingly, a crime takes place in this state every five minutes on average.

Iowa, with a population of 3.2 million, holds the 15th spot in the list of safest states in America, boasting a relatively low crime rate of 250.1 per 100,000 people.

Let’s take a moment to explore the ten cities in Iowa that are considered the most perilous.

The Most Dangerous Cities in Iowa

Keokuk, Iowa

In Keokuk, a crime takes place every 18 hours and 35 minutes, on average.

The crime rate in the city has been given a concerning D+ grade, as it currently stands at 38.84 per 1,000 residents. This statistic is worrisome and calls for immediate attention to make the city a safer place for its inhabitants.

As per the locals, the northern region of the city is considered the most secure, with a significantly lower chance of falling prey to criminal activities. The statistics reveal that the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime in the northern part is only 1 in 45, whereas it is alarmingly high at 1 in 11 in the southeastern neighbourhoods.

Keokuk takes the second spot in the list of cities with the highest property crime rate, meaning there is a 1 in 15 probability of becoming a victim of theft in this area.

Council Bluffs

When it comes to safety, Council Bluffs ranks in the 38th percentile, with a C- crime grade suggesting that crime rates are slightly higher than in other cities across the country.

Residents of Council Bluffs consider the southeastern part of the city to be the safest area, with an annual crime rate of 32.04 per 1,000 people.

According to recent data, Council Bluffs in Iowa has the highest rate of violent crime and the third-highest rate of murder within the state. Shockingly, the chances of falling victim to a violent crime in this area are as high as 1 in 126.

The region is also prone to property crime, which means there is a 1 in 12 chance of falling victim to theft or burglary.

Residents have reported that the southeastern neighbourhoods of the city are considered to be the safest areas.

Ottumwa

In Ottumwa, the rate of property crime is noticeably high, indicating that the likelihood of falling prey to such offences is relatively high, with a statistical probability of 1 in 24.

In comparison, the occurrence of violent crimes is notably lower, and the probability of falling prey to such incidents is around 1 in 120.

The city of Ottumwa is unfortunately known for having a high rate of motor vehicle theft. Shockingly, the probability of falling victim to car theft in Ottumwa is one in every 309 individuals.

According to statistics, the safety ranking of this city falls in the 24th percentile. The residents, however, consider the northeast area of the city as the most secure.

According to recent statistics, the probability of falling prey to criminal activities varies significantly across different neighbourhoods in the city. For instance, residents living in the western areas face a higher risk, with a chance of one in fourteen of becoming a victim. Conversely, individuals residing in the northeast neighbourhoods can breathe a little easier as the chances of falling victim to crime drop significantly to one in forty-seven.

Des Moines

Des Moines, being the biggest city in its state, has a safety rating in the 58th percentile. This indicates that only 42% of metropolitan areas are safer than Des Moines.

According to recent statistics, the crime rate in this city is quite high, with 2.25 crimes per 1000 residents. In fact, the city has been given a B- crime grade, largely due to the fact that a crime takes place in the city every 36 minutes on average.

According to statistics, Des Moines has an average annual rate of approximately 2.25 violent crimes per 1,000 individuals. Interestingly enough, the residents of Des Moines perceive the northern region of the city to be the most secure.

According to statistics, the likelihood of falling victim to violent crime in the eastern part of town is considerably higher, with a possibility of 1 in 257. This is in stark contrast to the north side, where the chances of experiencing violent crime are much lower, with a probability of only 1 in 826.

Mason City, Iowa

In recent times, the number of residents in Mason City has dwindled by a considerable amount, whereas the occurrences of criminal activities have been on a steady rise.

It’s alarming to see how often violent crimes like assault and larceny occur in this town, which has earned it the sixth spot on Iowa’s list of places with the highest rate of violent crimes.

The city of Mason has been plagued with a high crime rate of 32 per 1,000 residents, making it a risky place to live. The probability of experiencing violent or property crime here is alarmingly high, with a staggering 1 in 32 chance of becoming a victim.

Based on the feedback from locals and relevant statistics, it has been determined that the south side of the town is the safest area to reside in. The likelihood of falling prey to any criminal activity here is comparatively lower than the central neighborhoods, where the probability of being victimized is 1 in 12, whereas, in the south, it drops down to 1 in 44.

Sioux City

Sioux City, with a population of 86,730 inhabitants, is ranked in the 14th percentile in terms of safety. This means that it is less safe than 86% of cities throughout the United States.

According to recent statistics, the rate of crime in Sioux City stands at 53.91 per 1000 residents. Interestingly, many Sioux City inhabitants consider the northeast area of the city to be the safest.

The probability of encountering criminal activities in Sioux City can differ greatly depending on the locality.

In certain areas of the northwest, the likelihood of falling prey to crime can be as high as 1 in 9, whereas the northeast region poses a lower risk, with a probability of 1 in 35.

In Sioux City, the likelihood of experiencing a property crime, such as burglary or motor vehicle theft, is relatively high. According to statistics, one’s chance of falling victim to a property offence is 1 in 34.

Indianola

Indianola, a city with a population of 16,148, boasts a crime index of 19. This index suggests that Indianola is comparatively safer than 19% of cities across the United States.

According to statistics, this city experiences a crime every 20 hours and 30 minutes on average, resulting in a B- grade for its crime rate. Interestingly, the rate of violent crime in this city is slightly lower than the national average.

The rate of property crime in Indianola is higher than the average U.S. city, with a rate of 17 incidents per 1000 residents.

Residents have reported that the safest area in the city is the northwest region, with only a 1 in 706 chance of falling victim to a crime. In comparison, central neighborhoods have a higher risk with a 1 in 305 chance of becoming a victim.

Fort Dodge

Fort Dodge, with a population of 24,769, ranks within the 18th percentile for safety and unfortunately holds the highest murder rate in the state.

According to statistics, Fort Dodge has an average crime rate of 46.68 per 1000 residents in a typical year. Interestingly, residents tend to consider the northern neighborhoods of the city as the most secure areas.

The likelihood of encountering criminal activities in Fort Dodge varies depending on the location of the city. In central neighborhoods, the odds of experiencing crime are 1 in 13, while in the northern part of the city, it decreases to 1 in 37.

Fort Dodge experiences a crime every 6 hours and 51 minutes, on average, which has contributed to the city’s overall crime grade of D. This is because the crime rate in Fort Dodge is higher than that of many other cities across the country.

Waterloo

Waterloo has a crime index of 10 out of 100, resulting in a crime rate of 29.58 per 1000 residents.

According to the latest report, the city has been given a C grade for its overall crime rate. This grade suggests that the city’s crime rate is slightly above the national average.

The southwest part of the city is widely regarded by residents as the safest area.

The likelihood of experiencing criminal activity in Waterloo varies depending on the neighborhood you’re in. According to statistics, central areas have a higher risk, with a probability of 1 in 22 of becoming a victim. However, in the southwest part of the city, the chances drop significantly, with only a 1 in 57 chance of being involved in criminal incidents. It’s important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in areas with a higher crime rate.

Fort Madison

This city experiences a crime every 21 hours on average, which has resulted in an overall crime grade of C-.

According to statistics, the rate of violent crimes in Fort Madison is alarmingly high when compared to other cities of similar size and population. Shockingly, the chances of falling victim to crimes such as murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, assault, or rape are as high as 1 in 143.

The incidence of property crimes in this city is relatively high. These crimes include burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson.

According to statistics, there is a 1 in 143 chance of falling prey to one of these crimes.

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