Waverly, IA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Waverly, IA

What overall crime grade does Waverly receive, and what does that mean?

Waverly earns an overall crime grade of A, placing it among the safest small cities in Iowa. This top-tier grade reflects consistently low incident rates across both violent and property crime categories. For context, an A grade means Waverly outperforms the vast majority of U.S. cities of comparable size — a meaningful distinction for a community of roughly 10,172 residents. The city's low unemployment rate of 3.6% and median household income of $65,701 both correlate strongly with reduced crime risk, and those economic indicators show up clearly in the data behind that A grade.

What is the crime rate in Waverly, and how does it compare to similar cities?

Waverly's crime rate is well below national averages for cities in its population range, which is a key reason it holds an A crime grade. With a poverty rate of 10.5% — moderate but not elevated — and an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, the socioeconomic conditions that typically drive higher crime are largely absent here. Property crimes such as petty theft and occasional vehicle break-ins represent the most common incident types reported on the Waverly crime map, while violent incidents remain rare. Residents living near the Waverly-Shell Rock High School corridor and the West Park neighborhood consistently report among the fewest incidents, reinforcing the city-wide pattern of safety.

Is Waverly safe to live in?

Yes — Waverly is one of the safer communities in northeast Iowa, and the data backs that up. The city's A crime grade, combined with a median home value of $174,234 and a median rent of just $783, signals a stable, affordable community where residents are not displaced by economic stress. Low population density at 348 people per square mile means less congestion and fewer of the environmental factors associated with elevated crime. Families, retirees, and young professionals all benefit from Waverly's track record: violent crime occurrences are infrequent, and property crime rates remain well below what you'd expect even for cities of similar size in the Midwest.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Waverly?

Waverly's overall A crime grade means safety is broadly distributed across the city rather than concentrated in just one or two pockets. That said, areas near established residential subdivisions — including the West Park neighborhood and streets surrounding the Waverly Community Center — tend to see the fewest reported incidents on the crime map. Neighborhoods adjacent to parks and schools benefit from higher foot traffic and community visibility, both of which are natural deterrents to opportunistic crime. For the most current neighborhood-level picture, cross-referencing the interactive Waverly crime map with the Waverly Police Department's public reports gives the clearest data-driven view.

What types of crime are most common in Waverly?

Based on available crime map data for Waverly, property-related offenses — including minor theft, vehicle break-ins, and occasional vandalism — make up the largest share of reported incidents. This is typical for small Iowa cities with an A crime grade, where violent crime accounts for a very small fraction of total reports. The city's 10.5% poverty rate and 3.6% unemployment rate help keep economically motivated crimes low. Residents should remain attentive to securing vehicles and property, as these represent the most actionable risk category, but the overall volume of incidents remains low relative to state and national benchmarks.

Is Waverly a good place to raise a family?

Waverly's combination of an A crime grade, a median household income of $65,701, and a median home value of $174,234 makes it a genuinely strong choice for families. The city's low population density of 348 people per square mile supports a quieter, more residential atmosphere, and the 3.6% unemployment rate means economic opportunity is accessible. Schools in the Waverly-Shell Rock district serve a community where crime-related disruptions are uncommon. With affordable housing — median rent at $783 — and a poverty rate of 10.5% that falls below many comparable Iowa cities, Waverly offers the kind of stable, data-supported safety profile that families prioritize when choosing where to put down roots.