Southwest Area Neighborhood, Cedar Rapids

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 53% of neighborhoods in Cedar Rapids

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 128 / 300 High
Violent Crime 121
21% above national avg
Property Crime 128
28% above national avg
City Ranking
53%
safer than other
Cedar Rapids neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Cedar Rapids

Is Southwest Area Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Southwest Area in Cedar Rapids, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 128, which is 28% above the national average of 100. Southwest Area is safer than 53% of neighborhoods in Cedar Rapids.

Compared to the Cedar Rapids average (crime index 134), Southwest Area is 6% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.

Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 143, 43% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 105).

Highest Risk
Assault · Index 143 (43% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Rape · Index 105 (5% above avg)

Southwest Area Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Cedar Rapids city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
123 +23% Moderate
Assault
143 +43% Moderate
Robbery
112 +12% Moderate
Rape
105 +5% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
124 +24% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
143 +43% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
116 +16% Moderate

How Southwest Area Compares

Crime index by category: Southwest Area vs Cedar Rapids average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Southwest Area Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

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Southwest Area Demographics & Context

Population
4,278
Median Income
$61,585
Home Value
$146,680
Median Age
38
Pop. Density
2,545/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 11.4%
Graduate Degree 3.8%

Housing

66%
34%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 84.1%
Black 8.7%
Hispanic 3.2%
Asian 0.8%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Taylor Index: 158
A
Oak Hill Jackson Index: 199
C+
Downtown Index: 184
B
Cedar Valley Index: 57
A
Wellington Heights Index: 130
B+
Cleveland Area Index: 93
A
Northwest Area Index: 147
A
Mound View Index: 137
A-
Southwest Area Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Cedar Rapids Crime Statistics
View all Cedar Rapids neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Southwest Area, Cedar Rapids?

Southwest Area in Cedar Rapids, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 128, which is 28% above the national average. Compared to the Cedar Rapids average, crime in Southwest Area is 6% lower. Southwest Area is safer than 53% of neighborhoods in Cedar Rapids.

Is Southwest Area a safe neighborhood in Cedar Rapids?

Southwest Area is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Cedar Rapids, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 143), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 105).

How does Southwest Area compare to the rest of Cedar Rapids?

Southwest Area's overall crime index is 128, compared to the Cedar Rapids average of 134. This means crime in Southwest Area is 6% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 121, and for property crime it is 128. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.

What type of crime is most common in Southwest Area?

The most prevalent crime type in Southwest Area is Assault, with a crime index of 143 (43% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.

What are safer neighborhoods near Southwest Area?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Taylor, Downtown, Cedar Valley and Wellington Heights. These areas are close to Southwest Area and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Southwest Area?

Southwest Area has a population of approximately 4,278. The median household income is $61,585. The median home value is $146,680. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Southwest Area crime compare to the national average?

Southwest Area's overall crime rate is 28% above the national average (index 128 vs 100). Within Cedar Rapids, it is safer than 53% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.

Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.