Is Cedar Rapids or Johnston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Johnston is safer than Cedar Rapids (Safety Score 81/100 vs 20/100), with a total crime rate of 826 per 100,000 versus 2,951 for Cedar Rapids — 72% lower. Cedar Rapids has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cedar Rapids has a 82% lower rate.
Note: Cedar Rapids is 5.5x 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
Johnston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cedar Rapids, IA
Johnston, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cedar Rapids | Johnston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,951.3 | 826.0 | +2,125.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 262.3 | 76.6 | +185.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.7 | 4.0 | -3.3 |
| Rape Rate | 11.1 | 12.1 | -1.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 30.3 | 8.1 | +22.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 219.4 | 52.4 | +167.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,689.1 | 749.4 | +1,939.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 274.1 | 76.6 | +197.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,203.0 | 527.8 | +1,675.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 212.0 | 145.1 | +67.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cedar Rapids or Johnston safer?
Johnston is safer with a total crime rate of 826 per 100K vs 2,951 for Cedar Rapids — a 72% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cedar Rapids has a violent crime rate of 262.3 per 100K while Johnston has 76.6. Johnston 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 Johnston, IA
Johnston, a Des Moines suburb, is home to Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a major agricultural research company. Situated in Polk County, it boasts a growing population with a median age of around 38. With a safety score of 81/100 and a population coverage of 24,819, Johnston has a total crime rate of 826.0 per 100,000 residents.