Black Hawk County Crime & Safety

Black Hawk County, Iowa

Safety Score

28/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1739.2

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

315.2

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1424.0

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

28/100

Higher = safer

State avg 60/100

State Safety Rank

#85

of 99 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Black Hawk County, Iowa

Urban Safety in Black Hawk County

Black Hawk County reports a safety score of 97.3, reflecting the complexities of a more urbanized area. Its total crime rate of 1,739.2 per 100K is higher than rural neighbors but still below the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing Local and State Trends

The county's safety score is lower than the Iowa average of 98.3, and its crime rate exceeds the state average of 1,095.3. This highlights Black Hawk as an area with higher law enforcement demand.

Highest Activity Among Peers

Black Hawk's crime rate of 1,739.2 per 100K is nearly triple that of neighboring Benton County. It represents the highest crime frequency among the eight counties in this regional analysis.

Property Theft is the Main Challenge

The data shows 1,424.0 property crimes and 315.2 violent crimes per 100K people. These rates mean property theft is the most common concern for residents and business owners.

Vigilance and Community Security

In busier counties, comprehensive home security and community policing are vital for safety. Residents can help lower these rates by securing valuables and reporting suspicious activity promptly.

SimpliSafe Home Security

Professional 24/7 monitoring for Black Hawk County. No long-term contracts.

Get Protected →

ADT Security Systems

Trusted home security for Black Hawk County residents since 1874.

Get a Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Black Hawk County, IA?

Black Hawk County has a total crime rate of 1739.2 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (315.2 per 100K) and property crimes (1424.0 per 100K).

Is Black Hawk County, IA safe?

Black Hawk County has a safety score of 28/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #85 out of 99 counties in Iowa for safety (1 = safest).

How does Black Hawk County crime compare to the Iowa average?

The county's safety score is lower than the Iowa average of 98.3, and its crime rate exceeds the state average of 1,095.3. This highlights Black Hawk as an area with higher law enforcement demand.

What types of crime are most common in Black Hawk County?

The data shows 1,424.0 property crimes and 315.2 violent crimes per 100K people. These rates mean property theft is the most common concern for residents and business owners.

How is crime data measured and reported for Black Hawk County?

Crime data for Black Hawk 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.

What is being done about crime in Black Hawk County?

Black Hawk County has a safety score of 28/100, which is below the Iowa average of 60/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.