Dubuque County Crime & Safety

Dubuque County, Iowa

Safety Score

33/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1571.7

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

312.7

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1259.0

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

33/100

Higher = safer

State avg 60/100

State Safety Rank

#80

of 99 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Dubuque County, Iowa

Safer Than National Averages

Dubuque County maintains a solid safety score of 97.5. Its total crime rate of 1571.7 per 100K is well below the national average of 2385.5.

Urban Safety in Dubuque

The county's crime rate is slightly higher than the Iowa average of 1095.3 per 100K. This reflects its status as a major regional population hub with more urban activity.

Comparing Dubuque to River Peers

Four reporting agencies manage a crime rate that is higher than neighboring rural Delaware County but typical for its size. It remains a safer alternative to many other Midwestern metropolitan areas.

Theft is the Most Common Issue

The local rate includes 1259.0 property crimes and 312.7 violent crimes per 100K residents. Most police activity focuses on property disputes rather than physical violence.

Smart Security for Urban Homes

Residents should focus on securing valuables and keeping outdoor areas well-lit. Motion sensors and doorbell cameras are effective at preventing the most common local property crimes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Dubuque County, IA?

Dubuque County has a total crime rate of 1571.7 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (312.7 per 100K) and property crimes (1259.0 per 100K).

Is Dubuque County, IA safe?

Dubuque County has a safety score of 33/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #80 out of 99 counties in Iowa for safety (1 = safest).

How does Dubuque County crime compare to the Iowa average?

The county's crime rate is slightly higher than the Iowa average of 1095.3 per 100K. This reflects its status as a major regional population hub with more urban activity.

What types of crime are most common in Dubuque County?

The local rate includes 1259.0 property crimes and 312.7 violent crimes per 100K residents. Most police activity focuses on property disputes rather than physical violence.

How is crime data measured and reported for Dubuque County?

Crime data for Dubuque 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 Dubuque County?

Dubuque County has a safety score of 33/100, 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.