Delaware County Crime & Safety

Delaware County, Iowa

Safety Score

56/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

1004.4

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

262.5

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

741.9

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

56/100

Higher = safer

State avg 60/100

State Safety Rank

#63

of 99 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Delaware County, Iowa

Safe and Stable Community Living

Delaware County earns a strong safety score of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 1004.4 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2385.5.

Aligning With Iowa Averages

The county's crime rate of 1004.4 is very close to the Iowa state average of 1095.3. Its safety score of 98.4 is essentially identical to the statewide benchmark of 98.3.

Consistently Safer Than Urban Neighbors

Delaware County maintains a safer profile than neighboring urban centers like Dubuque. Three local agencies manage a consistent and manageable level of law enforcement activity.

Property Concerns Over Violence

Property crimes make up 741.9 incidents per 100K, compared to 262.5 for violent crimes. Most incidents involve non-violent theft or burglary rather than person-to-person crime.

Defending Your Property

Focusing on home security is the best way to stay safe in Delaware County. Motion-activated lighting and secure window locks are effective deterrents against common property crimes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Delaware County, IA?

Delaware County has a total crime rate of 1004.4 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (262.5 per 100K) and property crimes (741.9 per 100K).

Is Delaware County, IA safe?

Delaware County has a safety score of 56/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #63 out of 99 counties in Iowa for safety (1 = safest).

How does Delaware County crime compare to the Iowa average?

The county's crime rate of 1004.4 is very close to the Iowa state average of 1095.3. Its safety score of 98.4 is essentially identical to the statewide benchmark of 98.3.

What types of crime are most common in Delaware County?

Property crimes make up 741.9 incidents per 100K, compared to 262.5 for violent crimes. Most incidents involve non-violent theft or burglary rather than person-to-person crime.

How is crime data measured and reported for Delaware County?

Crime data for Delaware 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 Delaware County?

Delaware County has a safety score of 56/100, 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.