Jefferson County Crime & Safety

Jefferson County, Iowa

Safety Score

49/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

1153.0

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

202.7

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

950.3

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

49/100

Higher = safer

State avg 60/100

State Safety Rank

#71

of 99 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Jefferson County, Iowa

Jefferson County maintains a High Safety Profile

Jefferson County reports a safety score of 98.2, reflecting a very secure environment. The total crime rate of 1153.0 per 100K is far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Jefferson County Scores Near State Average

The county's safety score of 98.2 is almost identical to the Iowa state average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 1153.0 is only slightly higher than the state average of 1095.3.

Comparing Jefferson to Neighboring Iowa Counties

Jefferson County's crime rate of 1153.0 is much lower than nearby Lee County's 1979.6. However, it sees more reported crime than Keokuk County, which sits at 788.0 per 100K.

Property Crimes Account for Most Incidents

Property crime occurs at a rate of 950.3 per 100K, while violent crime is much lower at 202.7. This means most law enforcement activity focuses on theft and non-violent offenses.

Secure Your Property to Maintain High Safety

With property crime as the main factor, basic home security can make a big difference. Lighting up entryways and securing outbuildings helps keep Jefferson County safe for everyone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Jefferson County, IA?

Jefferson County has a total crime rate of 1153.0 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (202.7 per 100K) and property crimes (950.3 per 100K).

Is Jefferson County, IA safe?

Jefferson County has a safety score of 49/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #71 out of 99 counties in Iowa for safety (1 = safest).

How does Jefferson County crime compare to the Iowa average?

The county's safety score of 98.2 is almost identical to the Iowa state average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 1153.0 is only slightly higher than the state average of 1095.3.

What types of crime are most common in Jefferson County?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 950.3 per 100K, while violent crime is much lower at 202.7. This means most law enforcement activity focuses on theft and non-violent offenses.

How is crime data measured and reported for Jefferson County?

Crime data for Jefferson 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 Jefferson County?

Jefferson County has a safety score of 49/100, 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.