Is Cedar Rapids or Storm Lake Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Storm Lake is safer than Cedar Rapids (Safety Score 41/100 vs 20/100), with a total crime rate of 1,966 per 100,000 versus 2,951 for Cedar Rapids — 33% lower. Cedar Rapids has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Storm Lake has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Cedar Rapids is 11.8x 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
Storm Lake — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cedar Rapids, IA
Storm Lake, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cedar Rapids | Storm Lake | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,951.3 | 1,966.2 | +985.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 262.3 | 287.1 | -24.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.7 | 0.0 | +0.7 |
| Rape Rate | 11.1 | 34.8 | -23.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 30.3 | 34.8 | -4.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 219.4 | 217.5 | +1.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,689.1 | 1,679.1 | +1,009.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 274.1 | 278.4 | -4.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,203.0 | 1,313.7 | +889.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 212.0 | 87.0 | +125.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cedar Rapids or Storm Lake safer?
Storm Lake is safer with a total crime rate of 1,966 per 100K vs 2,951 for Cedar Rapids — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cedar Rapids has a violent crime rate of 262.3 per 100K while Storm Lake has 287.1. 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 Storm Lake, IA
Storm Lake, Iowa, named for a severe storm in the 1850s, is a lakeside community in Buena Vista County. Its population is notably diverse, with a significant immigrant presence, particularly from Southeast Asia and Latin America, contributing to its vibrant culture and economy. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 11,494, Storm Lake has a total crime rate of 1,966.2 per 100,000 residents.