Is Cedar Rapids or Ottumwa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cedar Rapids is safer than Ottumwa (Safety Score 20/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 2,951 per 100,000 versus 3,014 for Ottumwa — 2% lower. Cedar Rapids has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cedar Rapids has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Cedar Rapids is 5.4x 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
Ottumwa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cedar Rapids, IA
Ottumwa, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cedar Rapids | Ottumwa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,951.3 | 3,013.7 | -62.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 262.3 | 397.1 | -134.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.7 | 7.9 | -7.2 |
| Rape Rate | 11.1 | 83.4 | -72.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 30.3 | 27.8 | +2.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 219.4 | 277.9 | -58.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,689.1 | 2,616.6 | +72.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 274.1 | 428.8 | -154.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,203.0 | 1,945.6 | +257.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 212.0 | 242.2 | -30.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cedar Rapids or Ottumwa safer?
Cedar Rapids is safer with a total crime rate of 2,951 per 100K vs 3,014 for Ottumwa — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cedar Rapids has a violent crime rate of 262.3 per 100K while Ottumwa has 397.1. 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 Ottumwa, IA
Ottumwa, once a prominent coal mining center and home to the Beach Ottumwa water park, is a city in Wapello County, Iowa, situated along the Des Moines River. Its population was around 25,000 residents in 2020. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 25,185, Ottumwa has a total crime rate of 3,013.7 per 100,000 residents.