Clay County Crime & Safety

Clay County, Iowa

Safety Score

62/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

882.9

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

134.0

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

748.9

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

62/100

Higher = safer

State avg 60/100

State Safety Rank

#56

of 99 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Clay County, Iowa

Clay County Maintains a Strong Safety Score

Clay County earns a safety score of 98.6 out of 100, which is excellent by national standards. Its total crime rate of 882.9 per 100K is far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming Iowa State Safety Averages

Clay County’s safety score of 98.6 edges out the Iowa state average of 98.3. The total crime rate is also lower than the statewide average of 1,095.3 per 100K.

Mixed Comparison With Nearby Counties

Clay County's crime rate of 882.9 per 100K is higher than neighbor Cherokee County's 413.8. However, it remains significantly safer than more populous hubs like Cerro Gordo.

Violent Crime Rates Are Very Low

The violent crime rate of 134.0 per 100K is roughly one-third of the national average. Property crime stands at 748.9 per 100K, showing a strong community focus on public order.

Proactive Steps for Home Safety

Residents can maintain Clay County's safety by securing outbuildings and garages where property crime often occurs. Simple tech like smart locks can further reduce the risk of theft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Clay County, IA?

Clay County has a total crime rate of 882.9 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (134.0 per 100K) and property crimes (748.9 per 100K).

Is Clay County, IA safe?

Clay County has a safety score of 62/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #56 out of 99 counties in Iowa for safety (1 = safest).

How does Clay County crime compare to the Iowa average?

Clay County’s safety score of 98.6 edges out the Iowa state average of 98.3. The total crime rate is also lower than the statewide average of 1,095.3 per 100K.

What types of crime are most common in Clay County?

The violent crime rate of 134.0 per 100K is roughly one-third of the national average. Property crime stands at 748.9 per 100K, showing a strong community focus on public order.

How is crime data measured and reported for Clay County?

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

Clay County has a safety score of 62/100, 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.