Is Cedar Rapids or Dubuque Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dubuque is safer than Cedar Rapids (Safety Score 45/100 vs 20/100), with a total crime rate of 1,836 per 100,000 versus 2,951 for Cedar Rapids — 38% lower. Cedar Rapids has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cedar Rapids has a 57% lower rate.
Note: Cedar Rapids is 2.3x 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
Dubuque — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cedar Rapids, IA
Dubuque, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cedar Rapids | Dubuque | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,951.3 | 1,835.6 | +1,115.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 262.3 | 400.9 | -138.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.7 | 1.7 | -1.0 |
| Rape Rate | 11.1 | 80.2 | -69.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 30.3 | 23.9 | +6.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 219.4 | 295.1 | -75.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,689.1 | 1,434.7 | +1,254.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 274.1 | 228.6 | +45.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,203.0 | 1,112.3 | +1,090.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 212.0 | 93.8 | +118.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cedar Rapids or Dubuque safer?
Dubuque is safer with a total crime rate of 1,836 per 100K vs 2,951 for Cedar Rapids — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cedar Rapids has a violent crime rate of 262.3 per 100K while Dubuque has 400.9. 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 Dubuque, IA
Perched on the Mississippi River, Dubuque is Iowa's oldest city, boasting a rich industrial past. This Tri-State Area hub, with a population around 60,000, sits at the convergence of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. With a safety score of 45/100 and a population coverage of 58,620, Dubuque has a total crime rate of 1,835.6 per 100,000 residents.