Iowa is widely known for its rolling farmland, welcoming communities, and strong agricultural roots. From the vibrant streets of Des Moines to the scenic landscapes of the Loess Hills, the state offers residents a high quality of life and a rich cultural heritage. Museums, festivals, historic landmarks, and outdoor recreation opportunities contribute to Iowa’s reputation as one of the Midwest’s most appealing places to live.
However, like many states across the country, Iowa is not immune to crime challenges. While the majority of communities remain relatively safe, several cities report violent crime rates that exceed the state average. Using violent crime statistics per 100,000 residents, the following cities rank among the most dangerous in Iowa.
Quick Guide
- State: Iowa
- Largest City on List: Des Moines
- Most Dangerous City: Fort Dodge
- Crime Metric: Violent crimes per 100,000 residents
- Includes: Assault, robbery, rape, and homicide
- Data Focus: Violent crime rates and victimization risk
- Source: Areavibes
Is Iowa Safe?
The short answer is yes, Iowa is exceptionally safe. The Hawkeye State consistently ranks among the most secure places to live in the United States, maintaining violent and property crime indices well below national baselines.
However, crime distribution across Iowa is highly uneven. While its small towns and suburban communities boast near-zero crime numbers, a few concentrated urban centers and riverfront cities see spikes that drive regional safety conversations.
10. Perry
- Population: 7,820
- 399 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 1.09
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 251
- Total Crimes / 100k: 985
Rounding out our list at #10 is Perry, IA. With a population of 7,820 and a violent crime rate of 399 per 100,000 people (64% higher than the Iowa average), some parts of Perry are incredible unsafe…