While Iowa is generally pretty safe and some people don’t even lock their doors, there are still some cities in Iowa that are safer than others. This list of 10 of the most dangerous cities in Iowa includes cities where you might want to be more aware of possible crime than others. This list ranks the top 10 most dangerous places in Iowa based only on violent crime data, and not other types of crime, like larceny and motor vehicle theft.

These findings are in accordance with FBI crime data on violent crimes per capita. The FBI defines violent crime as any crime that includes murder, non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, or aggravated assault. Let’s take a look at the worst places to live in Iowa.

1. Waterloo
Waterloo, IA, USA
Flickr/Jenni Konrad
With a population of 68,358, Waterloo ranks number 1 in overall violent crime with a rate of 95.53 per 10,000 people, and a total of 653 reported violent crimes. The FBI reported that there were a total of 6 murders and non-negligent manslaughters, 84 rapes, 65 robberies, and 498 aggravated assaults. Unfortunately, these statistics give Waterloo the number one spot on the list of the most dangerous places in Iowa. There are some great attractions here despite the crime, however. For example, read about this waterpark in Waterloo, Iowa.

Take a walk through Waterloo:

2. Keokuk
Keokuk, IA 52632, USA
Flickr/Michael Allen
While Keokuk has a population of only 10,767, Keokuk ranks #2 in overall violent crime with a whopping rate of 87.30 per 10,000 people. The town’s murder and robbery numbers are low, but for the small population, the rape and aggravated assault numbers are fairly high. The FBI reported that there were a total of 0 murders and non-negligent manslaughters, 4 rapes, 1 robbery, and 89 aggravated assaults. This town does feature interesting places to go, though. Learn about Keokuk National Cemetary for a patriotic day trip.
3. Carter Lake
Carter Lake, IA, USA
Flickr/civilengtiger
The small town of Carter Lake, with a population of only 3,737, is considered one of the most dangerous places in Iowa. It is on the western border of the state and is located near Omaha, Nebraska. While the individual crime numbers might look fairly small, it ranks quite highly for its violent crime numbers per capita, at a rate of 82.95 per 10,000 people. The FBI reported that there were a total of 0 murders and non-negligent manslaughters, 3 rapes, 3 robberies, and 25 aggravated assaults. Carter Lake does feature beautiful nature, though. Take a look at lakefront AirBnB in Carter Lake.
4. Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge, IA 50501, USA
Wikipedia/Billwhittaker
Fort Dodge has a population of 24,524 people, and its violent crime rate ranks at #4 on the list, at a rate of 68.50 per 10,000 people. The FBI reported that there were a total of 1 murder and non-negligent manslaughters, 13 rapes, 14 robberies, and 140 aggravated assaults. In spite of the statistics, this town has plenty to offer. Take a look at this cafe in Fort Dodge.

Take a driving tour through Fort Dodge:

5. Burlington
Burlington, IA, USA
Flickr/David Wilson
Burlington is home to 25,762 and comes in at #5 on the list of the most dangerous places in Iowa with a violent crime rate of 62.88 per 10,000 people. The FBI reported that there were a total of 2 murders and non-negligent manslaughters, 16 rapes, 29 robberies, and 115 aggravated assaults. This historic city has many good qualities, too. Find out more about Burlington, Iowa.

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6. Oelwein
Oelwein, IA 50662, USA
Flickr/H. Michael Miley
Oelwein may have a fairly small population, at 6,224, but it has a pretty high violent crime rate, at 62.66 per 10,000 people. There were no reported murders or non-negligent manslaughters, but for the size of the town, they ranked quite highly in aggravated assault. The FBI reported that there were a total of 0 murders and non-negligent manslaughters, 1 rape, 1 robbery, and 37 aggravated assaults. While it's always good to be careful, if you're in town there are several cool places to go. Check out Leo's Italian Restaurant, for example.
7. Clinton
Clinton, IA, USA
Flickr/Tom Bridge
Clinton’s population is 26,375, and it ranks #7 for overall violent crime at 62.56 per 10,000 people. While Clinton had no murders or non-negligent manslaughters, it was pretty high on rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. The FBI reported that there were a total of 0 murders and non-negligent manslaughters, 17 rapes, 22 robberies, and 126 aggravated assaults. Among the town's positive qualities is the abundance of lovely views. Take a look at The Candlelight Inn for riverfront views you'll love.
8. Davenport
Davenport, IA, USA
Flickr/Brad
Davenport is the state’s third-largest city with a population of 102,715, and a rate of violent crime at 61.92 per 10,000 people. The FBI reported that there were a total of 2 murders and non-negligent manslaughters, 100 rapes, 166 robberies, and 368 aggravated assaults. If you're cautious, this town is a great place to visit, though. One fun tourist attraction is the Davenport Skybridge.

Take a closer look at Davenport:

9. Muscatine
Muscatine, IA 52761, USA
Flickr/David Wilson
While Muscatine is more of a medium-sized town, with a population of 23,057, it ranks fairly highly at #9, with a rate of 60.72 per 10,000 people. The FBI reported that there were a total of 3 murders and non-negligent manslaughters, 17 rapes, 7 robberies, and 113 aggravated assaults. If you are in the area, grab a friend or two and check out the natural area around the city. One great option is Wildcat Den Trail.
10. Des Moines
Des Moines, IA, USA
Flickr/Jason Mrachina
Des Moines is the largest city in the state with a population of 208,250 and comes in at #10 on the list of the most dangerous places in Iowa, with a violent crime rate of 60.02 per 10,000 people. The FBI reported that there were a total of 9 murders and non-negligent manslaughters, 87 rapes, 267 robberies, and 887 aggravated assaults. Don't let the negative statistics keep you from enjoying the good parts of the city, though. There are lots of great places to visit in Des Moines.

What did you think of this list of the most dangerous cities in Iowa? Were you surprised by some of the places on it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. If you’re also interested in safer places in Iowa, Here are the safest cities in Iowa.

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Most Dangerous Places in Iowa

Danielle Schwartz | July 11, 2022

What are the creepiest towns in Iowa?

The creepiest towns in Iowa include:

  • Elkport
  • Buckhorn

 

While crime rates are one measure of scary places to go, ghost towns are a totally different way to feel a shiver down your spine. Check out the creepiest towns in Iowa that have been abandoned and have a ghostly feel. Elkport looks like an old-fashioned place, but in fact, it was inhabited as recently as 2004, when the residents all decided to move away due to flooding. Another place that feels haunted is Buckhorn. There is still a church and creamery in this town, but nothing else stands in this area.

What are the most unique towns in Iowa?

The most unique towns in Iowa include:

  • Amana Colonies
  • Decorah

 

There are lots of charming small towns in our state and it's always a lovely time to experience some of the most unique towns in Iowa. The Amana Colonies are one such place. There are villages here that are reminiscent of a simpler time. That's certainly a departure from the big cities! For a fun cultural immersion, check out Decorah for the Norweigan influence that shows in the beautiful historic buildings and fun activities.

What are the oldest towns in Iowa?

The oldest towns in Iowa include:

  • Dubuque
  • Davenport
  • Iowa City

 

When you're in the mood to learn about the history of the Hawkeye State, check out the oldest towns in Iowa. The earliest incorporated city was Dubuque, which officially became a city in 1833. A few years later, in 1839, Davenport was founded near the Mississippi River. That same year, Iowa City became the official capital of the state. If you're here, check out the Old Capitol Building for a great look at what it was like back in the old days.

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