52242 Zip Code, Iowa City
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe zip code — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 50% of zip codes in Iowa City
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Iowa City
Is 52242 a Safe Zip Code?
Yes — this zip code is very safe. Zip code 52242 in Iowa City, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 73, which is 27% below the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 50% of zip codes in Iowa City.
Compared to the Iowa City average (crime index 122), zip code 52242 is 49% lower in overall crime. This zip code is significantly safer than Iowa City as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 175, 75% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 67).
52242 Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Iowa City city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
117 | +17% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
80 | -20% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
175 | +75% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
67 | -33% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
141 | +41% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
155 | +55% | High | |
How 52242 Compares
Crime index by category: 52242 vs Iowa City average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
52242 Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
52242 Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Other Zip Codes in Iowa City
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Zip code 52242, Iowa City?
Zip code 52242 in Iowa City, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 73, which is 27% below the national average. Compared to the Iowa City average, crime in Zip code 52242 is 49% lower. Zip code 52242 is safer than 50% of neighborhoods in Iowa City.
Is Zip code 52242 a safe neighborhood in Iowa City?
Zip code 52242 is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Iowa City, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Rape (index: 175), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 67). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Iowa City.
How does Zip code 52242 compare to the rest of Iowa City?
Zip code 52242's overall crime index is 73, compared to the Iowa City average of 122. This means crime in Zip code 52242 is 49% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 128, and for property crime it is 121. 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 Zip code 52242?
The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 52242 is Rape, with a crime index of 175 (75% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Zip code 52242?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 52245, 52240 and 52246. These areas are close to Zip code 52242 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Zip code 52242?
Zip code 52242 has a population of approximately 2,476. The median household income is $36,417. The median home value is $353,186. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Zip code 52242 crime compare to the national average?
Zip code 52242's overall crime rate is 27% below the national average (index 73 vs 100). Within Iowa City, it is safer than 50% 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.