Buchanan County Crime & Safety

Buchanan County, Iowa

Safety Score

71/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Safe

Total Crime Rate

683.5

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

121.2

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

562.3

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

71/100

Higher = safer

State avg 60/100

State Safety Rank

#45

of 99 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Buchanan County, Iowa

Buchanan County Ranks High for National Safety

With a total crime rate of just 683.5 per 100K, Buchanan County is far safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns an exceptional safety score of 98.9, placing it among the nation's most secure areas.

Exceeding Iowa's High Safety Benchmarks

Buchanan County's crime rate is approximately 38% lower than the Iowa state average of 1,095.3 per 100K. Its safety score of 98.9 sits comfortably above the statewide average score of 98.3.

Leading the Way Among Neighbors

Buchanan County outperforms neighboring Bremer County, which has a higher total crime rate of 967.5. These low numbers highlight the effectiveness of the three reporting agencies serving the local population.

Low Rates for Violent and Property Offenses

Violent crime is remarkably rare in Buchanan County at 121.2 per 100K, which is less than a third of the national rate. Property crime also remains low at 562.3, suggesting a very low risk for local homeowners.

Keeping Buchanan County Homes Secure

Maintaining these elite safety rankings requires consistent home security habits. Simple measures like doorbell cameras and well-lit entryways help deter the small amount of property crime that does occur.

SimpliSafe Home Security

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

Get Protected →

ADT Security Systems

Trusted home security for Buchanan County residents since 1874.

Get a Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Buchanan County, IA?

Buchanan County has a total crime rate of 683.5 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (121.2 per 100K) and property crimes (562.3 per 100K).

Is Buchanan County, IA safe?

Buchanan County has a safety score of 71/100, rated "Safe". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #45 out of 99 counties in Iowa for safety (1 = safest).

How does Buchanan County crime compare to the Iowa average?

Buchanan County's crime rate is approximately 38% lower than the Iowa state average of 1,095.3 per 100K. Its safety score of 98.9 sits comfortably above the statewide average score of 98.3.

What types of crime are most common in Buchanan County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Buchanan County?

Crime data for Buchanan 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 Buchanan County safer than the Iowa average?

Buchanan County has a safety score of 71/100, 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.