Lafnow Neighborhood, Waterloo
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safer than 50% of neighborhoods in Waterloo
Safety at a Glance
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in Waterloo
Is Lafnow Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Lafnow in Waterloo, IA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 135, which is 35% above the national average of 100. Lafnow is safer than 50% of neighborhoods in Waterloo.
Compared to the Waterloo average (crime index 134), Lafnow is 1% 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: 134, 34% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 77). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Lafnow Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Waterloo city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
90 | -10% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
113 | +13% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
77 | -23% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
77 | -23% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
114 | +14% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
134 | +34% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
How Lafnow Compares
Crime index by category: Lafnow vs Waterloo average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Lafnow Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Lafnow Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Lafnow, Waterloo?
Lafnow in Waterloo, IA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 135, which is 35% above the national average. Compared to the Waterloo average, crime in Lafnow is 1% higher. Lafnow is safer than 50% of neighborhoods in Waterloo.
Is Lafnow a safe neighborhood in Waterloo?
Lafnow is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Waterloo, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 134), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 77).
How does Lafnow compare to the rest of Waterloo?
Lafnow's overall crime index is 135, compared to the Waterloo average of 134. This means crime in Lafnow is 1% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 89, and for property crime it is 123. 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 Lafnow?
The most prevalent crime type in Lafnow is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 134 (34% 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 Lafnow?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Cedar River, Northeast Side, Neighbors for Life and Doe. These areas are close to Lafnow and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Lafnow?
Lafnow has a population of approximately 988. The median household income is $35,765. The median home value is $41,547. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Lafnow crime compare to the national average?
Lafnow's overall crime rate is 35% above the national average (index 135 vs 100). Within Waterloo, 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.