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D

Is Altoona, Iowa Safe?

Population 22,796 · Safer than 19% of US cities

Stable· 2023 FBI UCR data

With a violent crime rate below the national average, Altoona faces real safety challenges. It earns a D grade and ranks below 81% of US cities. Property crime makes up the majority of offenses, with theft at 2,072 per 100K.

Altoona Crime Rates vs State and National Averages

MetricAltoonaIowa AvgNational Avg
Violent Crime Rate263.6332.1363.8
Property Crime Rate2339.82075.01,832.3
Murder Rate3.0--5.7
Assault Rate221.0--268.2
Theft Rate2072.0--1,401.5
Vehicle Theft Rate323.0--318.3

All rates per 100,000 residents. 2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report + Census Bureau population estimates.

Overall SafetyD

260.3 crimes per 1,000 residents

Violent CrimeC+

264/100K (national avg: 364)

Property CrimeD-

2340/100K (national avg: 1,832)

Key Crime Statistics for Altoona

Violent crime in Altoona is below the national average. The rate of 263.6 per 100K falls below the national 363.8.

Property crime is above the national average at 2339.8 per 100K vs. the national 1,832.3.

Theft is the most reported crime at 2,072 per 100K. The national average is 1,401.5.

Altoona Crime Breakdown by Category

Murder3
053% of avgAvg: 5.7
Assault221
082% of avgAvg: 268.2
Robbery45
071% of avgAvg: 63.3
Burglary338
01.3x national avgAvg: 269.8
Theft2,072
01.5x national avgAvg: 1,401.5
Vehicle Theft323
01.0x national avgAvg: 318.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. Vertical marker = national average.

How Altoona Compares

Violent Crime Rate (per 100K)

Altoona
263.6
State
332.1
National
363.8

Property Crime Rate (per 100K)

Altoona
2339.8
State
2075.0
National
1832.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. National averages from 2023 FBI UCR data.

Frequently Asked Questions About Altoona Safety

Is Altoona safe?
Not especially. Altoona earns a D with a crime rate of 260.3 per 1,000 residents, and violent crime runs below the national average. Standard precautions apply, especially at night.
What is the crime rate in Altoona?
260.3 per 1,000 residents. That breaks down to a violent crime rate of 263.6 per 100,000 (the national average is 363.8) and property crime at 2339.8 per 100,000 (national average: 1832.3).
Is Altoona safe for tourists?
Exercise extra caution. Altoona's D grade reflects real risk, particularly for property crime. Theft (2,072 per 100K) is the biggest concern for visitors. Stay in well-lit, busy areas at night.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Altoona?
Neighborhood-level data varies, but suburban residential areas in Altoona generally report lower crime than downtown or commercial districts. For block-level detail, check the Altoona police department's crime map.
Is crime increasing in Altoona?
Crime rates have held steady in Altoona, without significant movement in either direction. The city maintains its D grade.
How does Altoona compare to other cities in Iowa?
Below average for the state. Altoona ranks behind about 79% of Iowa cities on safety, with property crime being the bigger issue at 1.3x the national rate.
How safe is Altoona to live in?
Worth factoring into your decision. Violent crime is below the national average, which is encouraging. Rates have been stable.
How bad is crime in Altoona?
Bad. A D grade and 260.3 per-thousand rate put Altoona below 81% of US cities. Violent crime at 264 per 100K is the core problem.
What is the violent crime rate in Altoona?
263.6 per 100,000, which is 28% below the national average of 363.8. That includes assault (221), robbery (45), and murder (3.0) per 100,000.

Nearby Cities in Iowa

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View all Iowa city safety grades

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2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report data and Census Bureau population estimates. Safety grades calculated using national and state-level crime rate distributions. Not a substitute for local law enforcement guidance.

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