Is Cedar Rapids or Marshalltown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Marshalltown is safer than Cedar Rapids (Safety Score 39/100 vs 20/100), with a total crime rate of 2,071 per 100,000 versus 2,951 for Cedar Rapids — 30% lower. Cedar Rapids has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cedar Rapids has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Cedar Rapids is 4.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Cedar Rapids, IA?
Cedar Rapids — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Marshalltown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cedar Rapids, IA
Marshalltown, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cedar Rapids | Marshalltown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,951.3 | 2,070.6 | +880.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 262.3 | 297.4 | -35.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.7 | 7.3 | -6.5 |
| Rape Rate | 11.1 | 43.5 | -32.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 30.3 | 14.5 | +15.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 219.4 | 232.1 | -12.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,689.1 | 1,773.3 | +915.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 274.1 | 301.0 | -26.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,203.0 | 1,367.1 | +835.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 212.0 | 105.2 | +106.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cedar Rapids or Marshalltown safer?
Marshalltown is safer with a total crime rate of 2,071 per 100K vs 2,951 for Cedar Rapids — a 30% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cedar Rapids has a violent crime rate of 262.3 per 100K while Marshalltown has 297.4. 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 Marshalltown, IA
Marshalltown, a central Iowa hub, is known for its diverse population and as the home of Lennox Manufacturing since 1904. This city in Marshall County sits along the Iowa River. With a safety score of 39/100 and a population coverage of 27,576, Marshalltown has a total crime rate of 2,070.6 per 100,000 residents.