Is Iowa City or Las Vegas Metro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Iowa City is safer than Las Vegas Metro (Safety Score 40/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100,000 versus 3,053 for Las Vegas Metro — 35% lower. Iowa City has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Iowa City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Las Vegas Metro is 22.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Iowa City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Las Vegas Metro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Iowa City, IA
Las Vegas Metro, NV
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Iowa City | Las Vegas Metro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,995.2 | 3,052.7 | -1,057.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 321.3 | 430.0 | -108.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 6.2 | -6.2 |
| Rape Rate | 54.0 | 51.6 | +2.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.0 | 64.8 | -14.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 217.3 | 307.2 | -89.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,673.8 | 2,622.7 | -948.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 156.7 | 461.5 | -304.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,389.4 | 1,564.5 | -175.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 127.7 | 596.7 | -469.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iowa City or Las Vegas Metro safer?
Iowa City is safer with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100K vs 3,053 for Las Vegas Metro — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Iowa City has a violent crime rate of 321.3 per 100K while Las Vegas Metro has 430.0. Iowa City has lower violent crime.
About Iowa City, IA
Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa and its renowned Writers' Workshop, sits along the Iowa River. This vibrant Midwestern city in Johnson County boasts a diverse population, including a significant student presence. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 75,934, Iowa City has a total crime rate of 1,995.2 per 100,000 residents.
About Las Vegas Metro, NV
Las Vegas Metro encompasses the vibrant Entertainment Capital of the World, a city that sprung from a railroad stop in the Mojave Desert. Its population of over 2.3 million is a diverse mix, drawn to its unique blend of resort tourism and burgeoning tech industries. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 1,716,565, Las Vegas Metro has a total crime rate of 3,052.7 per 100,000 residents.