Is Cedar Rapids or Council Bluffs Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Council Bluffs is safer than Cedar Rapids (Safety Score 21/100 vs 20/100), with a total crime rate of 2,873 per 100,000 versus 2,951 for Cedar Rapids — 3% lower. Cedar Rapids has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cedar Rapids has a 77% lower rate.
Note: Cedar Rapids is 2.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cedar Rapids — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Council Bluffs — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cedar Rapids, IA
Council Bluffs, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cedar Rapids | Council Bluffs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,951.3 | 2,873.0 | +78.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 262.3 | 420.8 | -158.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.7 | 3.2 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 11.1 | 72.3 | -61.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 30.3 | 70.7 | -40.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 219.4 | 274.6 | -55.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,689.1 | 2,452.3 | +236.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 274.1 | 486.6 | -212.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,203.0 | 1,634.8 | +568.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 212.0 | 330.8 | -118.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cedar Rapids or Council Bluffs safer?
Council Bluffs is safer with a total crime rate of 2,873 per 100K vs 2,951 for Cedar Rapids — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cedar Rapids has a violent crime rate of 262.3 per 100K while Council Bluffs has 420.8. Cedar Rapids has lower violent crime.
About Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a city bisected by the Cedar River, boasts a vibrant Czech Village reflecting its immigrant history. It is the second-largest city in Iowa, with a population approaching 140,000. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 135,363, Cedar Rapids has a total crime rate of 2,951.3 per 100,000 residents.
About Council Bluffs, IA
Council Bluffs, Iowa, across the Missouri River from Omaha, was a pivotal starting point for the Mormon Trail. This city of over 62,000 residents in Pottawattamie County has a rich railway history. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 62,269, Council Bluffs has a total crime rate of 2,873.0 per 100,000 residents.