Polk County, IA Crime Statistics
Crime Overview
Polk County in IA is served by 7 law enforcement agencies. Over the past five years (2019-2024), the county recorded 8,584 violent crimes and 12,776 property crimes. The average violent crime rate stands at 67.2 per 100k residents, which is 36.7% below the national average. Property crime averages 155.5 per 100k, 4.9% below the national average. The most common offense was Property Crime, while Robbery had the lowest rate. Data is sourced from the FBI Crime Data Explorer and reflects totals from the most recent five-year period.
Violent Crimes
Violent Crime
Grade AAnnual Rate67.2 per 100k residents
National Avg: 106.2 per 100k
Total Incidents8,584 (2019-2023)
Homicide
Grade N/AInsufficient data to calculate annual rate.
Rape
Grade CAnnual Rate3.5 per 100k residents
National Avg: 3.5 per 100k
Total Incidents251 (2019-2023)
Robbery
Grade AAnnual Rate0.4 per 100k residents
National Avg: 5.8 per 100k
Total Incidents108 (2019-2023)
Aggravated Assault
Grade AAnnual Rate6.5 per 100k residents
National Avg: 22.3 per 100k
Total Incidents1,223 (2019-2023)
Property Crimes
Property Crime
Grade CAnnual Rate155.5 per 100k residents
National Avg: 163.6 per 100k
Total Incidents12,776 (2019-2023)
Burglary
Grade AAnnual Rate12.4 per 100k residents
National Avg: 24.0 per 100k
Total Incidents1,690 (2019-2023)
Larceny
Grade CAnnual Rate136.3 per 100k residents
National Avg: 116.4 per 100k
Total Incidents9,727 (2019-2023)
Motor Vehicle Theft
Grade AAnnual Rate6.9 per 100k residents
National Avg: 22.2 per 100k
Total Incidents1,273 (2019-2023)
Summary Table
| Crime Type | Annual Rate (per 100k residents) | Grade | Total Incidents (2019-2023) | National Avg | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | 67.2 | A | 8584 | 106.2 | -36.7% |
| Property Crime | 155.5 | C | 12776 | 163.6 | -4.9% |
| Homicide | 0.0 | A | 12 | 0.5 | -100.0% |
| Rape | 3.5 | C | 251 | 3.5 | -1.4% |
| Robbery | 0.4 | A | 108 | 5.8 | -92.3% |
| Aggravated Assault | 6.5 | A | 1223 | 22.3 | -70.9% |
| Burglary | 12.4 | A | 1690 | 24.0 | -48.6% |
| Larceny | 136.3 | C | 9727 | 116.4 | +17.1% |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 6.9 | A | 1273 | 22.2 | -68.8% |
Crime Trends
Agencies
Polk County Sheriff's Office
Ankeny Police Department
Ankeny, IA
Windsor Heights Police Department
Windsor Heights, IA
Johnston Police Department
Johnston, IA
Altoona Police Department
Altoona, IA
Pleasant Hill Police Department
Pleasant Hill, IA
Polk City Police Department
Polk City, IA