Mahaska County Crime & Safety

Mahaska County, Iowa

Safety Score

37/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1468.8

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

353.6

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1115.2

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

37/100

Higher = safer

State avg 60/100

State Safety Rank

#78

of 99 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Mahaska County, Iowa

Solid Safety Despite Property Activity

Mahaska County maintains a respectable safety score of 97.7. While its total crime rate of 1,468.8 per 100K is higher than the state average, it remains much lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Above Average Iowa Crime Rates

The county's crime rate exceeds the Iowa average of 1,095.3 per 100K, largely due to property incidents. Four reporting agencies provide a comprehensive and transparent look at the county's public safety landscape.

Higher Activity than Rural Neighbors

Mahaska shows more crime activity than neighboring rural counties like Keokuk. However, it remains a safer alternative to the larger urban centers found further west.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

Property crime accounts for 1,115.2 incidents per 100K, while violent crime sits at 353.6. While property crime is lower than the U.S. average, the violent crime rate is nearly double the state average of 216.5.

Prioritizing Home Security Systems

Because crime rates are higher than the state average, residents should invest in sturdy locks and alarm systems. Staying connected with the four local law enforcement agencies helps residents stay informed about local risks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Mahaska County, IA?

Mahaska County has a total crime rate of 1468.8 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (353.6 per 100K) and property crimes (1115.2 per 100K).

Is Mahaska County, IA safe?

Mahaska County has a safety score of 37/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #78 out of 99 counties in Iowa for safety (1 = safest).

How does Mahaska County crime compare to the Iowa average?

What types of crime are most common in Mahaska County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Mahaska County?

Crime data for Mahaska 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 Mahaska County?

Mahaska County has a safety score of 37/100, 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.