Wapello County Crime & Safety

Wapello County, Iowa

Safety Score

5/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

3479.5

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

600.7

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2878.8

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

5/100

Higher = safer

State avg 60/100

State Safety Rank

#97

of 99 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Wapello County, Iowa

Analyzing Crime Trends in Wapello County

Wapello County reports a total crime rate of 3,479.5 per 100,000 residents, which sits above the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this higher rate, the county maintains a safety score of 94.5. This score suggests that while crime is present, local conditions differ significantly from high-risk urban centers.

Comparing Local Data to Iowa Averages

Wapello’s safety score of 94.5 is below the Iowa state average of 98.3. The county's total crime rate of 3,479.5 is also higher than the statewide average of 1,095.3. These numbers highlight Wapello as an area with higher reported law enforcement activity than many neighboring counties.

Regional Safety Comparisons

Wapello County faces more significant crime challenges than nearby Van Buren, which reports a rate of only 430.2. With three reporting agencies providing data, these figures offer a comprehensive look at the region's safety landscape. This higher concentration of reports often reflects more active local policing in busier population centers.

Breaking Down Violent and Property Incidents

Property crime is the primary concern here, occurring at a rate of 2,878.8 per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate of 600.7 also exceeds the national average of 369.8. Most reported incidents involve theft or burglary rather than person-to-person violence.

Smart Strategies for Resident Safety

With property crime as the most common issue, home security systems and visible cameras are highly effective deterrents. Residents should prioritize securing outbuildings and vehicles, as these are frequent targets for theft. Community watch programs also play a vital role in keeping neighborhoods safe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Wapello County, IA?

Wapello County has a total crime rate of 3479.5 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (600.7 per 100K) and property crimes (2878.8 per 100K).

Is Wapello County, IA safe?

Wapello County has a safety score of 5/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #97 out of 99 counties in Iowa for safety (1 = safest).

How does Wapello County crime compare to the Iowa average?

What types of crime are most common in Wapello County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Wapello County?

Crime data for Wapello 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 Wapello County?

Wapello County has a safety score of 5/100, 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.