Union County Crime & Safety

Union County, Iowa

Safety Score

44/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

1272.0

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

272.6

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

999.4

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

44/100

Higher = safer

State avg 60/100

State Safety Rank

#73

of 99 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Union County, Iowa

Union County Holds Strong Safety Score

Union County holds a 98.0 safety score, which is quite competitive on a national scale. Its total crime rate of 1,272.0 per 100,000 is well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Tracking Safety Across Union County

The county's crime rate is slightly higher than the Iowa average of 1,095.3. Two reporting agencies provide the data used to track these trends and allocate public safety resources effectively.

Balanced Safety in a Rural Setting

Union County shows higher crime activity than its most rural neighbors but remains safer than Iowa’s larger urban centers. Its violent crime rate of 272.6 sits just above the state average of 216.5.

The Property and Violent Crime Mix

Property crimes make up the majority of local incidents at 999.4 per 100,000 residents. Violent crimes are less common, occurring at a rate of 272.6, which is still lower than the national average of 369.8.

Deter Theft with Home Security

Focusing on property security can have a major impact on local crime rates. Using smart security cameras and ensuring all windows are locked can help deter opportunistic theft in the area.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Union County, IA?

Union County has a total crime rate of 1272.0 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (272.6 per 100K) and property crimes (999.4 per 100K).

Is Union County, IA safe?

Union County has a safety score of 44/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #73 out of 99 counties in Iowa for safety (1 = safest).

How does Union County crime compare to the Iowa average?

The county's crime rate is slightly higher than the Iowa average of 1,095.3. Two reporting agencies provide the data used to track these trends and allocate public safety resources effectively.

What types of crime are most common in Union County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Union County?

Crime data for Union 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 Union County?

Union County has a safety score of 44/100, 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.