Common Grounds Neighborhood, Waterloo

Crime Rate & Statistics

B+

Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods

Safer than 47% of neighborhoods in Waterloo

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate

Low 141 / 300 High

Violent Crime 104

4% above national avg

Property Crime 142

42% above national avg

City Ranking

47%

safer than other

Waterloo neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Waterloo

Is Common Grounds Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Common Grounds in Waterloo, IA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average of 100. Common Grounds is safer than 47% of neighborhoods in Waterloo.

Compared to the Waterloo average (crime index 134), Common Grounds is 7% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 165, 65% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 94). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk

Larceny / Theft · Index 165 (65% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Robbery · Index 94 (6% below avg)

Common Grounds Crime Breakdown

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

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Waterloo	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	97	-3%	-23%	Average
Assault	119	+19%	-5%	Moderate
Robbery	94	-6%	-6%	Average
Rape	107	+7%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	124	+24%	+3%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	165	+65%	+18%	High
Vehicle Theft	138	+38%	+1%	Moderate

How Common Grounds Compares

Crime index by category: Common Grounds vs Waterloo average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Common Grounds 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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Common Grounds Demographics & Context

Population

1,555

Median Income

$32,882

Home Value

$52,264

Median Age

Pop. Density

3,463/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 5.5%

Graduate Degree 0.3%

Housing

50%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 37%

Black 50.2%

Hispanic 10.2%

Asian 1.1%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Gates Park Index: 135

B+

Riverfront Index: 139

A-

We Care Index: 120

B-

Roosevelt Index: 166

C-

Walnut Index: 189

C-

Franklin Gateway Index: 176

C+

Chautauqua Park Index: 151

A-

Unity Index: 120

B-

Common Grounds Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Waterloo Crime Statistics

View all Waterloo neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Common Grounds, Waterloo?

Common Grounds in Waterloo, IA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average. Compared to the Waterloo average, crime in Common Grounds is 7% higher. Common Grounds is safer than 47% of neighborhoods in Waterloo.

Is Common Grounds a safe neighborhood in Waterloo?

Common Grounds is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Waterloo, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 165), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 94).

How does Common Grounds compare to the rest of Waterloo?

Common Grounds's overall crime index is 141, compared to the Waterloo average of 134. This means crime in Common Grounds is 7% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 104, and for property crime it is 142. 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 Common Grounds?

The most prevalent crime type in Common Grounds is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 165 (65% 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 Common Grounds?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Gates Park, Riverfront, We Care and Chautauqua Park. These areas are close to Common Grounds and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Common Grounds?

Common Grounds has a population of approximately 1,555. The median household income is $32,882. The median home value is $52,264. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Common Grounds crime compare to the national average?

Common Grounds's overall crime rate is 41% above the national average (index 141 vs 100). Within Waterloo, it is safer than 47% 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.