Iowa, often known as Hawkeye State and boasts its serene landscapes and friendly communities, is home to several cities that, like any other state, face their own set of crime challenges. With more than three million people, the state has been ranked as the 36th most violent state totaling a crime rate of 250.1 per 100,000 people. While it’s important to know that crime rates can fluctuate over time, it’s still essential to be aware of the areas with higher crime rates to make informed decisions about your safety. The top 3 cities mentioned below face different degrees of crime rates that make them included in some of the most dangerous cities in Iowa.

Top 3 Most Dangerous Cities in Iowa: The Resident’s Perspective On Its Safety Risks. (Photo: TravelSafeAbroad)

Top 3 Most Dangerous Cities In Iowa: The 2023 Outlook

1. Keokuk

Here’s Keokuk, leading the board of one of the most dangerous cities in Iowa. (Photo: TravelSafeAbroad)

Here’s Keokuk, leading the board of one of the most dangerous cities in Iowa. Keokuk is a city located in the southeastern part of the state of Iowa, in Lee County. It is situated along the Mississippi River and has a rich history, which includes its role in the development of the western United States during the 19th century. Keokuk is named after Chief Keokuk, a prominent leader of the Sauk Indians. The city reported a total average of crime occurring every 18 hours and 35 minutes. Residents claimed that the northern part of the city can be considered the safest having one’s chance of becoming the victim of a crime of 1 in 45, unlike the 1 in 11 chance in the southeastern neighborhoods. The city made it to the second spot in property crime, having a 1 in 15 chance of falling victim to theft. With the crime rate in the city at 38.84 per 1,000 residents, it acquired a D+ grade for its crime rate.

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2. Council Bluffs

The top 2 of one of the most dangerous cities in Iowa is Council Buffs. (Photo: TravelSafeAbroad)

The top 2 of one of the most dangerous cities in Iowa is Council Buffs. This city is located along the western border of Iowa and deals with a notable property crime rate, partially attributed to its proximity to Omaha, Nebraska. Efforts have been made to improve safety in the city, including increased police presence and community initiatives. The Council Bluffs falls in the 38th percentile in terms of safety obtaining a C- crime grade, which means that the crime rates here are slightly higher than in other cities throughout the state. It has the third-highest rate of murder, having the chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime at 1 in 126. Data records said that the city has an annual crime rate in Council Bluffs of 32.04 per 1,000 people. Residents, however, considered the southeastern part of the city as the safest area. Property crime also poses a risk in the area, you are likely to have a 1 in 12 chance of experiencing theft or burglary.

3. Ottumwa

Ottumwa was ranked third as one of the most dangerous cities in Iowa. (Photo: TravelSafeAbroad)

Ottumwa was ranked third as one of the most dangerous cities in Iowa. This city is situated in the southeastern part of the state and has struggled with both property and violent crime. Efforts to address these issues include neighborhood watch programs and initiatives to boost economic development. However, the city still ranked in the 24th percentile for safety. Residents said that the northeast part of the city was the safest. Living in Ottumwa will get you a chance of being a property crime victim at 1 in 24. Well, the city reportedly has lower violent crimes having a 1 in 120 chance of being a victim. The city, however, recorded the highest motor vehicle theft rates in the state, look out for your car, as it will likely get stolen in 1 in 309 chance. To stay in the western neighborhood will make you a victim of a crime at 1 in 14, while may be as low as 1 in 47 in the northeast neighborhoods.

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