Is Cedar Rapids or Sparks Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cedar Rapids is safer than Sparks (Safety Score 20/100 vs 20/100), with a total crime rate of 2,951 per 100,000 versus 2,979 for Sparks — 1% lower. Cedar Rapids has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cedar Rapids has a 84% lower rate.
Cedar Rapids — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Sparks — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cedar Rapids, IA
Sparks, NV
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cedar Rapids | Sparks | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,951.3 | 2,979.1 | -27.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 262.3 | 395.3 | -133.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.7 | 4.5 | -3.8 |
| Rape Rate | 11.1 | 83.9 | -72.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 30.3 | 56.0 | -25.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 219.4 | 250.0 | -30.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,689.1 | 2,583.8 | +105.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 274.1 | 301.4 | -27.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,203.0 | 1,964.7 | +238.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 212.0 | 317.7 | -105.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cedar Rapids or Sparks safer?
Cedar Rapids is safer with a total crime rate of 2,951 per 100K vs 2,979 for Sparks — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cedar Rapids has a violent crime rate of 262.3 per 100K while Sparks has 395.3. 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 Sparks, NV
Sparks, Nevada, a city east of Reno, was once known as "The Crossroads of the West" due to its railroad heritage. With a population exceeding 100,000, it's a significant part of the Truckee Meadows region. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 110,807, Sparks has a total crime rate of 2,979.1 per 100,000 residents.