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. 

City of Norwalk/Canva/TSM
City of Norwalk, Iowa, facebook/Canva/TSM
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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.  

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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. 

Where to Eat if You're Going to a Concert at Wells Fargo Arena

Heading to an event at Wells Fargo Arena or the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines? We've got you covered! We put together a list of restaurants within walking distance (15 minutes) of the venues that are open for dinner and have a Google rating of 4-stars or higher. Here are some of your options:

Gallery Credit: Courtlin

10 of the Highest-Rated Airbnbs for Your Next Trip to Des Moines

Taking a trip to Des Moines but don't want to stay in a hotel? You have other options! We took a look at Airbnb to find the highest-rated properties that you can rent during your next visit. Each Airbnb on our list has a 4.8-star rating or higher and more than 30 reviews.

Gallery Credit: Courtlin

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