Is Cedar Rapids or Iowa City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Iowa City is safer than Cedar Rapids (Safety Score 40/100 vs 20/100), with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100,000 versus 2,951 for Cedar Rapids — 32% lower. Cedar Rapids has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Iowa City has a 100% lower rate.
Cedar Rapids — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Iowa City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cedar Rapids, IA
Iowa City, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cedar Rapids | Iowa City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,951.3 | 1,995.2 | +956.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 262.3 | 321.3 | -59.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.7 | 0.0 | +0.7 |
| Rape Rate | 11.1 | 54.0 | -42.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 30.3 | 50.0 | -19.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 219.4 | 217.3 | +2.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,689.1 | 1,673.8 | +1,015.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 274.1 | 156.7 | +117.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,203.0 | 1,389.4 | +813.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 212.0 | 127.7 | +84.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cedar Rapids or Iowa City safer?
Iowa City is safer with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100K vs 2,951 for Cedar Rapids — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cedar Rapids has a violent crime rate of 262.3 per 100K while Iowa City has 321.3. 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 Iowa City, IA
Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa and its renowned Writers' Workshop, sits along the Iowa River. This vibrant Midwestern city in Johnson County boasts a diverse population, including a significant student presence. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 75,934, Iowa City has a total crime rate of 1,995.2 per 100,000 residents.