Is Ames or New York City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ames is safer than New York City (Safety Score 51/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 1,654 per 100,000 versus 3,040 for New York City — 46% lower. Ames has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ames has a 100% lower rate.
Note: New York City is 126.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ames — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New York City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ames, IA
New York City, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ames | New York City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,653.8 | 3,039.7 | -1,385.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 148.3 | 671.4 | -523.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 3.9 | -3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 70.3 | 23.4 | +46.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 7.6 | 187.5 | -179.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 70.3 | 456.2 | -385.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,505.5 | 2,368.3 | -862.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 172.7 | 154.7 | +18.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,244.2 | 2,015.0 | -770.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 88.7 | 198.5 | -109.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ames or New York City safer?
Ames is safer with a total crime rate of 1,654 per 100K vs 3,040 for New York City — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ames has a violent crime rate of 148.3 per 100K while New York City has 671.4. Ames has lower violent crime.
About Ames, IA
Ames, Iowa, home to Iowa State University, is a city in Story County. This community in central Iowa has a significant student population, contributing to its vibrant academic atmosphere. With a safety score of 51/100 and a population coverage of 65,426, Ames has a total crime rate of 1,653.8 per 100,000 residents.
About New York City, NY
New York City, a global financial hub, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River. Home to the iconic Statue of Liberty, its five boroughs house over 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the United States. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 8,299,271, New York City has a total crime rate of 3,039.7 per 100,000 residents.