Benton County Crime & Safety

Benton County, Iowa

Safety Score

74/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Safe

Total Crime Rate

631.5

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

187.1

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

444.4

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

74/100

Higher = safer

State avg 60/100

State Safety Rank

#41

of 99 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Benton County, Iowa

Exceptional Safety for Benton Families

Benton County scores a 99.0 for safety, representing a very secure environment compared to the rest of the country. The total crime rate of 631.5 per 100K is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Iowa Public Safety

Benton outperforms the state average safety score of 98.3 and the state average crime rate of 1,095.3. It stands as a safer alternative to many of its Central Iowa counterparts.

Safer than Regional Urban Centers

Benton's crime rate of 631.5 per 100K is lower than Boone County's 681.7 and significantly lower than Black Hawk's 1,739.2. This positioning makes it a regional leader in public safety.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

The rate includes 444.4 property crimes and 187.1 violent crimes per 100K residents. While the safety score is high, these figures suggest a need for continued awareness of property security.

Smart Security for High Safety

Smart locks and security cameras provide an extra layer of defense against property crimes. These simple investments help preserve the county's standing as a high-safety zone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Benton County, IA?

Benton County has a total crime rate of 631.5 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (187.1 per 100K) and property crimes (444.4 per 100K).

Is Benton County, IA safe?

Benton County has a safety score of 74/100, rated "Safe". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #41 out of 99 counties in Iowa for safety (1 = safest).

How does Benton County crime compare to the Iowa average?

Benton outperforms the state average safety score of 98.3 and the state average crime rate of 1,095.3. It stands as a safer alternative to many of its Central Iowa counterparts.

What types of crime are most common in Benton County?

The rate includes 444.4 property crimes and 187.1 violent crimes per 100K residents. While the safety score is high, these figures suggest a need for continued awareness of property security.

How is crime data measured and reported for Benton County?

Crime data for Benton County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

Why is Benton County safer than the Iowa average?

Benton County has a safety score of 74/100, which is above the Iowa average of 60/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.