Is Iowa City or New York City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Iowa City is safer than New York City (Safety Score 40/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100,000 versus 3,040 for New York City — 34% lower. Iowa City has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Iowa City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: New York City is 109.3x 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
New York City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Iowa City, IA
New York City, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Iowa City | New York City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,995.2 | 3,039.7 | -1,044.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 321.3 | 671.4 | -350.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 3.9 | -3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 54.0 | 23.4 | +30.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.0 | 187.5 | -137.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 217.3 | 456.2 | -238.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,673.8 | 2,368.3 | -694.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 156.7 | 154.7 | +2.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,389.4 | 2,015.0 | -625.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 127.7 | 198.5 | -70.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iowa City or New York City safer?
Iowa City is safer with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100K vs 3,040 for New York City — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Iowa City has a violent crime rate of 321.3 per 100K while New York City has 671.4. 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 New York City, NY
New York City, a global financial hub, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River. Home to the iconic Statue of Liberty, its five boroughs house over 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the United States. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 8,299,271, New York City has a total crime rate of 3,039.7 per 100,000 residents.