Is Cedar Rapids or Waterloo Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waterloo is safer than Cedar Rapids (Safety Score 21/100 vs 20/100), with a total crime rate of 2,921 per 100,000 versus 2,951 for Cedar Rapids — 1% lower. Cedar Rapids has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cedar Rapids has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Cedar Rapids is 2.0x 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
Waterloo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cedar Rapids, IA
Waterloo, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cedar Rapids | Waterloo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,951.3 | 2,920.8 | +30.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 262.3 | 476.0 | -213.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.7 | 4.5 | -3.8 |
| Rape Rate | 11.1 | 39.2 | -28.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 30.3 | 34.7 | -4.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 219.4 | 397.7 | -178.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,689.1 | 2,444.8 | +244.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 274.1 | 586.0 | -311.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,203.0 | 1,658.5 | +544.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 212.0 | 200.4 | +11.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cedar Rapids or Waterloo safer?
Waterloo is safer with a total crime rate of 2,921 per 100K vs 2,951 for Cedar Rapids — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cedar Rapids has a violent crime rate of 262.3 per 100K while Waterloo has 476.0. 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 Waterloo, IA
Waterloo, Iowa, a city in Black Hawk County, was once a hub for the Illinois Central Railroad. Situated along the Cedar River, its population is diverse, with a notable African American community. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 66,385, Waterloo has a total crime rate of 2,920.8 per 100,000 residents.