Is Iowa City or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Iowa City is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 40/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 62% 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: San Antonio is 19.9x 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
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Iowa City, IA
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Iowa City | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,995.2 | 5,219.0 | -3,223.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 321.3 | 595.3 | -274.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 54.0 | 83.7 | -29.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.0 | 108.4 | -58.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 217.3 | 393.7 | -176.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,673.8 | 4,623.6 | -2,949.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 156.7 | 495.6 | -338.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,389.4 | 3,291.8 | -1,902.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 127.7 | 836.3 | -708.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iowa City or San Antonio safer?
Iowa City is safer with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Iowa City has a violent crime rate of 321.3 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. 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 San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.