Lee County Crime & Safety

Lee County, Iowa

Safety Score

23/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1979.6

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

412.7

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1566.9

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

23/100

Higher = safer

State avg 60/100

State Safety Rank

#89

of 99 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Lee County, Iowa

Lee County Safety Scores Below National Benchmarks

Lee County has a safety score of 96.9, which is the lowest in this regional group. However, its total crime rate of 1979.6 still remains below the national average of 2,385.5.

Lee County Crime Rates Exceed State Averages

With a total crime rate of 1979.6, Lee County is nearly double the Iowa state average of 1095.3. Its safety score of 96.9 also trails the state average of 98.3.

Lee County Shows Higher Rates Than Northern Neighbors

Lee County's crime rate of 1979.6 is significantly higher than Jefferson County's 1153.0. Residents here experience a much more active crime environment than those in nearby Keokuk.

Violent Crime in Lee Exceeds National Average

The violent crime rate of 412.7 per 100K is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also elevated locally, reaching a rate of 1566.9.

Home Security is a Priority for Lee Residents

Given the higher rates of both violent and property crime, residents should prioritize home security systems. Use high-quality locks and security cameras to provide extra peace of mind.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Lee County, IA?

Lee County has a total crime rate of 1979.6 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (412.7 per 100K) and property crimes (1566.9 per 100K).

Is Lee County, IA safe?

Lee County has a safety score of 23/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #89 out of 99 counties in Iowa for safety (1 = safest).

How does Lee County crime compare to the Iowa average?

With a total crime rate of 1979.6, Lee County is nearly double the Iowa state average of 1095.3. Its safety score of 96.9 also trails the state average of 98.3.

What types of crime are most common in Lee County?

The violent crime rate of 412.7 per 100K is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also elevated locally, reaching a rate of 1566.9.

How is crime data measured and reported for Lee County?

Crime data for Lee 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 Lee County?

Lee County has a safety score of 23/100, 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.