
New City Claims Title of Iowa’s Safest in 2024
Nestled in the heart of Warren County, Iowa, lies Norwalk—a quiet suburban gem known for its friendly community and family-oriented atmosphere. With a population of over 14,000 residents, Norwalk combines small-town charm with proximity to the amenities of nearby Des Moines. Its well-maintained parks, top-rated schools, and low crime rate make it a sought-after destination for those seeking a safe and welcoming place to call home.
Sioux Center was the Safest Until now
Norwalk took the top spot as the safest town in Iowa, from Sioux Center, which held the top spot for three years. According to Safewise, Norwalk was the safest city in Iowa in 2024, while Sioux Center fell to second place after holding the top spot for three years in a row. Makes you wonder what kind of crazy crime knocked Sioux Center from its coveted top spot as the safest city in the state. Maybe someone dared to get a parking ticket. High crimes in Sioux Center.

What's the crime like in Norwalk?
The collective violent crime rate in the safest cities in Iowa is 1.0 incidents per 1,000 people, which is 66% lower than the state's rate. Sioux Center was the only city to report zero burglaries, and Decorah was the only city to report zero car thefts.
For the fifth consecutive year, Iowa maintains crime rates below national and regional averages, with decreases observed in both property and violent crime rates. While overall concern about crime among Iowans remains lower compared to national trends. The recent Safewise State of Safety survey shows a slight decline in the percentage of Iowa respondents who feel safe in their state, dropping from 55% to 52% compared to the previous year. Interestingly, fewer Iowa respondents expressed general concerns about crime and safety, down to 34% from 48% in the previous survey period.
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