Most people think Iowa’s biggest danger is falling asleep during a corn detasseling job.
These communities decided to spice things up with crime rates that would surprise even seasoned city dwellers.
While the rest of Iowa maintains its status as America’s peaceful middle ground, these towns are playing by different rules.
Using the latest Iowa city rankings built from FBI/UCR data (2025, cities ≥5,000 pop.), the top cities/towns by violent crimes per 100k are:
1. Clinton, Iowa
Clinton sits along the Mississippi River with a population of about 25,000 people. This former lumber town has beautiful historic architecture and riverfront views.
Clinton consistently ranks as Iowa’s most dangerous city.
The violent crime rate hits 788 per 100,000 residents.
That’s why residents face a 1-in-127 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year.
Property crime is equally concerning at 2,606 per 100,000 people.
2. Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines serves as Iowa’s capital and largest city with over 215,000 residents.
The city offers excellent museums, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
You’re better off knowing the crime statistics before visiting.
Des Moines has a violent crime rate of 707 per 100,000 people.
That’s 153 percent above the state average.
Assault remains the biggest problem, followed by robbery and car theft during summer months.
3. Davenport, Iowa
Davenport anchors the Quad Cities region along the Mississippi River.
This city of 102,000 people has a rich history and vibrant downtown area.
Davenport ranks third statewide for dangerous cities.
The violent crime rate reaches 691 per 100,000 residents.
That equals almost 1.89 violent incidents every day. Shootings cluster near the downtown riverfront, though even suburban areas see car break-ins.
4. Fort Dodge, Iowa
Fort Dodge sits in central Iowa with about 24,000 residents. The city has a strong agricultural heritage and serves as Webster County’s seat.
The violent crime rate of 684 per 100,000 puts Fort Dodge in the top five most dangerous Iowa cities. Property crime averages 236.2 per 100,000 residents.
That’s 44.4 percent above the national average. Burglary and larceny create the biggest concerns for local families.
5. Waverly, Iowa
Waverly is home to about 10,000 people and Wartburg College.
This small city has a charming downtown and strong community spirit.
You’re better off being aware that Waverly has a surprisingly high violent crime rate of 652 per 100,000 residents.
That’s 78.6 percent higher than the national average.
The city recorded 69 violent crimes recently.
Property crime rates are actually 45.1 percent lower than the U.S. average.
6. Waterloo, Iowa
Waterloo has about 68,000 residents and serves as a major manufacturing center. The city offers affordable housing and decent job opportunities.
Waterloo’s crime rate is 32.2 percent higher than the national average. The violent crime rate hits 579 per 100,000 people.
That’s 56.6 percent above national levels. The city recorded 9 murders recently, creating a murder rate of 14 per 100,000 residents.
Why It’s On This List: Waterloo struggles with one of Iowa’s highest murder rates, making it a very dangerous place according to crime statistics.
7. Sioux City, Iowa
Sioux City sits where Iowa meets Nebraska and South Dakota. This city of 82,000 people serves as a regional hub for agriculture and transportation.
The violent crime rate of 572 per 100,000 residents puts Sioux City in Iowa’s top ten most dangerous cities. Total crime reaches 4,125 per 100,000 people.
That’s why many residents express concerns about walking alone at night. Property crime and violent incidents both exceed state averages.
Why It’s On This List: Sioux City’s location at three state borders creates unique law enforcement challenges, contributing to higher crime rates.
8. Burlington, Iowa
Burlington overlooks the Mississippi River with about 25,000 residents. The city has beautiful Victorian architecture and historic charm.
You’re better off knowing that Burlington has a violent crime rate of 550 per 100,000 people. The total crime rate reaches 2,822 per 100,000 residents.
That puts Burlington in Iowa’s top ten most dangerous cities. Property crime and assault cases drive most of the statistics.
Why It’s On This List: Burlington’s riverside location and economic challenges contribute to crime rates that exceed state and national averages.
9. Knoxville, Iowa
Knoxville is famous for its NASCAR racing at Knoxville Raceway. This small city of about 7,000 people draws racing fans from across the country.
Knoxville has a violent crime rate of 514 per 100,000 residents. The total crime rate hits 1,975 per 100,000 people.
That’s surprisingly high for such a small community. Racing events can bring temporary population surges that strain local resources.
Why It’s On This List: Despite its small size and racing fame, Knoxville’s crime statistics place it among Iowa’s most dangerous communities.
10. Centerville, Iowa
Centerville sits in south-central Iowa with about 5,400 residents. The city serves as Appanoose County’s seat and has a quiet, rural atmosphere.
The violent crime rate of 494 per 100,000 people puts Centerville in Iowa’s top ten most dangerous cities. Total crime reaches 2,622 per 100,000 residents.
That’s why this small town makes the dangerous cities list. Economic challenges and limited resources can impact crime prevention efforts.
Why It’s On This List: Centerville’s high crime rates relative to its small population demonstrate that size doesn’t always equal safety in Iowa communities.
11. Keokuk, Iowa
WanderingWalksofWonder
Keokuk sits at the southeastern tip of Iowa where the Des Moines River meets the Mississippi. This historic city of about 10,000 people once served as Iowa’s first capital.
Keokuk has a violent crime rate of 487 per 100,000 residents. The city struggles with economic decline and population loss over recent decades.
That’s why property crime also remains elevated at 2,156 per 100,000 people. Drug-related offenses contribute significantly to the overall crime statistics.
Why It’s On This List: Keokuk’s economic challenges and river border location create conditions that foster higher crime rates than typical Iowa communities.
12. Ottumwa, Iowa
Ottumwa has about 25,000 residents in southeastern Iowa. The city gained fame as the fictional hometown of Radar O’Reilly from the TV show MASH.
You’re better off knowing that Ottumwa has a violent crime rate of 465 per 100,000 people. The total crime rate reaches 2,890 per 100,000 residents.
That puts Ottumwa well above state averages for both violent and property crimes. Assault and burglary cases drive most of the statistics.
Why It’s On This List: Ottumwa’s manufacturing job losses and economic struggles have contributed to crime rates that exceed Iowa state averages.
13. Council Bluffs, Iowa
Council Bluffs sits across the Missouri River from Omaha, Nebraska. This city of 62,000 people serves as a major transportation and gambling hub.
The violent crime rate of 442 per 100,000 residents places Council Bluffs among Iowa’s more dangerous cities. Property crime hits 2,634 per 100,000 people.
That’s why residents face higher risks than most Iowa communities. The city’s proximity to Omaha creates unique cross-border crime challenges.
Why It’s On This List: Council Bluffs’ location near a major metropolitan area and casino industry contribute to elevated crime statistics.
14. Marshalltown, Iowa
Marshalltown has about 27,000 residents in central Iowa. The city serves as Marshall County’s seat and has a diverse manufacturing base.
Marshalltown has a violent crime rate of 428 per 100,000 people. The city recorded significant increases in property crime over recent years.
That equals a total crime rate of 2,445 per 100,000 residents. Immigration and economic factors create complex social dynamics affecting crime rates.
Why It’s On This List: Marshalltown’s rapid demographic changes and economic pressures have contributed to rising crime statistics in recent years.
15. Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Cedar Rapids is Iowa’s second-largest city with about 137,000 residents. The city recovered remarkably from devastating 2008 floods and continues growing.
The violent crime rate of 415 per 100,000 people puts Cedar Rapids in the top 15 most dangerous Iowa cities. Property crime reaches 2,789 per 100,000 residents.
That’s why even this prosperous city makes the dangerous list. Urban size naturally brings higher crime rates than rural areas.
Why It’s On This List: Cedar Rapids’ large population and urban density create crime challenges typical of Iowa’s bigger cities.
16. Storm Lake, Iowa
Storm Lake has about 11,000 residents in northwestern Iowa. The city sits on a beautiful natural lake and hosts Buena Vista University.
You’re better off knowing that Storm Lake has a violent crime rate of 398 per 100,000 people. The total crime rate hits 1,987 per 100,000 residents.
That’s surprisingly high for a college town. Seasonal population changes and economic factors contribute to crime statistics.
Why It’s On This List: Storm Lake’s combination of college students, seasonal workers, and economic pressures creates unique crime challenges.
17. Mason City, Iowa
Mason City has about 27,000 residents in north-central Iowa. The city is famous as the inspiration for “The Music Man” and has a rich cultural heritage.
Mason City has a violent crime rate of 385 per 100,000 residents. Property crime reaches 2,234 per 100,000 people.
That puts Mason City above state averages for both categories. Economic decline in manufacturing has impacted the community over time.
Why It’s On This List: Mason City’s industrial job losses and population decline have contributed to crime rates exceeding typical Iowa communities.
18. Newton, Iowa
Newton sits in central Iowa with about 15,000 residents. The city once served as headquarters for Maytag appliances before the company relocated.
The violent crime rate of 372 per 100,000 people places Newton among Iowa’s more dangerous cities. Total crime reaches 2,156 per 100,000 residents.
That’s why this former manufacturing hub makes the list. Economic transitions can create social challenges that impact crime rates.
Why It’s On This List: Newton’s struggle to replace lost manufacturing jobs has created economic conditions that contribute to higher crime statistics.
19. Spencer, Iowa
Spencer has about 11,000 residents in northwest Iowa. The city serves as Clay County’s seat and hosts the annual Clay County Fair.
You’re better off knowing that Spencer has a violent crime rate of 358 per 100,000 people. Property crime hits 1,923 per 100,000 residents.
That puts Spencer in Iowa’s top 20 most dangerous cities. Rural communities aren’t immune to crime challenges affecting larger cities.
Why It’s On This List: Spencer’s crime rates demonstrate that even smaller Iowa communities can face significant public safety challenges.
20. Dubuque, Iowa
Dubuque overlooks the Mississippi River with about 59,000 residents. This historic city has beautiful bluffs, casinos, and a revitalized downtown area.
Dubuque has a violent crime rate of 345 per 100,000 residents. The total crime rate reaches 2,445 per 100,000 people.
That rounds out Iowa’s top 20 most dangerous cities. Even scenic river towns face modern crime challenges that require ongoing attention.
Why It’s On This List: Dubuque’s tourist attractions and river location create unique law enforcement challenges that contribute to elevated crime statistics.