The Best Home Security Systems in Cedar Rapids, IA
Are you looking for the best home security systems in Cedar Rapids, IA? Using Crime Grade's exceptional crime data that is accurate down to the neighborhood, we have analyzed Cedar Rapids, IA home security system options in a way no other source has been able to do. See why
A property crime is committed in Cedar Rapids every 3 hours 30 minutes, and nationwide, your home is 300% more likely to be burglarized without a home security system. Cedar Rapids experiences 17.33 property crimes per 1000 people and 5.739 incidents of vandalism per 1000 people in the typical year. A home security system will protect you when you’re at home or away, 24 hours a day.
Home Security Companies Available in Cedar Rapids, IA
Best Overall
Simplisafe
We believe Simplisafe is the best home security system for residents of Cedar Rapids. The combination of a high amount of renters (26%) and education level (35% of residents have a college degree) makes Simplisafe our top pick.
Upgrade Pick
Vivint
Vivint doesn't seem to care about competitive prices; just quality. Their bespoke whole-house systems combine strict security with cutting-edge technology and full-scale home automation, making up the complete package.
Affordable Option
Ring
Ring Alarm is a disrupter whose incredibly low monitoring fees (as low as 1/10th the price of larger and better-known companies) and sharp equipment has already made them a household name.
Do You Need a Home Security System in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Choosing a home security system can seem overwhelming. We’re here to help break down what to consider when living in Cedar Rapids, IA. We’ll compare different crime rates and weather along with advanced features that make you feel safer and make your life easier.
Why Crime Grade?
Crime Grade has the most robust and accurate nationwide crime model available. In addition, our data is granular enough to identify and compare crime statistics to the neighborhood level. This puts us in the unique position of being able to evaluate the home security needs of people in a particular city rather than making a general assessment. So read on to see what's unique about Cedar Rapids, IA and our home security system recommendations that result from that.
Property Crime in Cedar Rapids, IA
Our analysis gives Cedar Rapids a property crime grade of: D. Cedar Rapids is in the 77th percentile of safety, meaning 77% of cities in Iowa are safer and 23% are more dangerous. Please visit our Cedar Rapids crime map for details on how this is calculated and what it means.
Crime Grades
Property crime is highest in the central part of Cedar Rapids, with your chances of being a victim of 1 in 26. Compare this to the northwestern part of the city, where crime is lower, and your chances of being a victim are 1 in 114.
C-
C |
|
D |
|
Other Crime Grade |
C |
A crime occurs every 2 hours 11 minutes (on average) in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Your home is 300% more likely to be robbed with no home security system.
So, is Cedar Rapids safe? Compared to all of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is rated as safe as the average Iowa city, which has a property crime rate of 17.97 per 1000. Looking at burglary, we see a similar pattern, where Cedar Rapids, with its burglary rate of 4.375 per 1000, is as safe as the average Iowa city.
In addition, Cedar Rapids is lower than other cities with similar populations for property crime. The table below shows property crime rates and level of occurrence in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Crime Type |
Crime Rate (per 1000 residents) |
Avg Number of Crimes per year in Cedar Rapids, IA |
Avg Crimes Committed Per Week |
|---|---|---|---|
Theft |
11.05 |
1,595 |
30.7 |
Vehicle Theft |
1.795 |
259 |
5.0 |
Burglary |
4.375 |
632 |
12.1 |
Arson |
0.1081 |
16 |
0.3 |
Weather and Climate in Cedar Rapids, IA
As strange as it might sound, some home security system features can be more or less important based on the climate you live in.
Home Security Fire Sensors in Cedar Rapids, IA
Hotter temperatures can lead to higher risk of fires in the home. The average temperature in Cedar Rapids, IA is 42.06 degrees, reaching 85.26 degrees in the hottest months like July & August. This temperature has held steady compared to 1990, when the hottest month reached 85.71 degrees in July.
Home age is another factor in determining fire risk, primarily due to electrical issues. The average home in Cedar Rapids was built in 1981, which is about average compared to the national average of 1978 and is much older than the average home in Iowa build in 1974.
Between colder seasonal temperatures and average home ages in Cedar Rapids, you can judge how important fire sensors and immediate response may be. A combination of smoke detectors, CO2 sensors, and fire alarms connected to a home security system can make that response as swift as possible, whether you’re at work or on vacation.
Home Security Flood Sensors in Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA gets an average rainfall of 0.9" per year. This is higher than the average of 0.6" for Iowa.
With the risk of flooding and burst pipes, a flood sensor can alert you and authorities as soon as possible. Even a few hours make the difference between an easy restoration and long-term water damage.
Home Security Freeze Sensors in Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA reaches an average of 18.70 degrees in its cold months of January & February. This temperature has increased compared to 1990, when the coldest month reached 28.31 degrees in January.
The year a home was constructed can also contribute to the risk of damage from cold weather. The average home in Cedar Rapids is 42 years old, and seasonal temperature changes have had much more time to cause stress on the home compared to the average Iowa home that's 49 years old and about the same amount of time than the national average of a 45-year-old home.
Temperature fluctuations will weaken the structure and foundation of the home, cold temperatures can cause pipes to leak or burst, and if it snows that can cause additional stress on the roof. However, freeze sensors are not an expensive addon. After assessing your Cedar Rapids home, you can make a more informed decision if they would be a suitable addition to your home security system.
Cost of Home Security Systems in Cedar Rapids, IA
To identify the final cost of a home security system for your Cedar Rapids home, we must determine some of your preferences.
Self-Monitored or Professionally Monitored?
Any home security system you pick will offer a selection of equipment including entry sensors, cameras, etc. The question is, do you actually want to self-monitor your system? If like 26.22% (36,990) of people in Cedar Rapids, you are a renter, you might prefer a self-monitored home security system. On the other hand, 73.78% or 104,112 of Cedar Rapids residents own their homes and may be more likely to consider a professionally monitored system to protect their property.
Whether you rent or buy, how well can you monitor your system on your own? For example, if you're one of the 86% of people who commute an average of 22 minutes to work in or around Cedar Rapids, can you immediately receive notifications on your phone, check cameras in meetings or while working, and call the police if needed?
If not, you might want a professionally monitored system where a company is available 24/7 to respond, whether on vacation or at work. Please see our comprehensive guide on the best home security systems for a complete comparison.
Self-Installed vs. Professional Installation
Most providers have great self-installation options, so if you're handy or tech-savvy, like the 8% of Cedar Rapids residents working in computer engineering and science, self-installation can be a great option.
Alternatively, when your security system is installed professionally, you can ensure that your equipment is placed correctly and will function without any problems. That peace of mind is valuable for people willing to spend the extra money.
Residents of Cedar Rapids tend to have a lower median household income than nearby cities, earning $78,294 annually. In addition, 35.2% of residents have a college degree or higher, compared to 32.9% in the United States.
If you're a homeowner, do you have more to protect? The median home value in Cedar Rapids is $182,646. Compared to the median home value in Iowa of $182,666, your home value will probably be lower. With their larger lots, single-family homes tend to be more isolated from view and a tempting target for burglars.
Find an in-depth review of installation options in our best home security systems guide.
Police Stations Near Cedar Rapids, IA
There are 14 police stations within the boundaries of Cedar Rapids, and 1 within 5 miles. Within 50 miles of the Cedar Rapids center, there are 81 police stations. Compared to other cities, police response times in Cedar Rapids may be about average. When response times are fairly typical, every second your security system saves in reporting a crime will improve the police response.
| Linn County Sheriff's Office po box 669 Cedar Rapids, IA 52406 (319) 892-6100 linncounty.org |
Federal Bureau Of Investigation 425 2nd St Se # 555 Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 (319) 366-2461 |
City Of Cedar Rapids 505 1st St Sw Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 (319) 286-5440 cedar-rapids.com |
Safest Neighborhoods in Cedar Rapids, IA
According to our analysis, here are the safest neighborhoods in Cedar Rapids.Home Security and Property Crime in Cities Near Cedar Rapids, IA
Nearby City | Property Crime Grade | Overall Crime Grade | Safer than Cedar Rapids, IA? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiawatha, IA | D | D+ | about as safe |
| Robins, IA | A+ | A+ | more safe |
| Marion, IA | B+ | A | more safe |
| Fairfax, IA | B+ | A | more safe |
| Bertram, IA | A+ | A+ | more safe |
| Palo, IA | A+ | A+ | more safe |
| Troy Mills, IA | A+ | A+ | more safe |
| Ely, IA | B+ | A | more safe |
| Toddville, IA | A | A | more safe |
| Atkins, IA | A+ | A+ | more safe |
Home Security and Property Crime in Cities Similar to Cedar Rapids, IA
Nearby City | Property Crime Grade | Overall Crime Grade | Safer than Cedar Rapids, IA? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellflower, CA | C- | C+ | more safe |
| Anchorage, AK | B- | B+ | more safe |
| Bayonne, NJ | F | F | less safe |
| Atlanta, GA | C- | C- | more safe |
| Antioch, CA | A | B+ | more safe |
| Athens, GA | C- | D | more safe |
| Apex, NC | A+ | A+ | more safe |
| Apple Valley, CA | B- | B+ | more safe |
| Arlington, VA | D- | D+ | less safe |
| Baytown, TX | D+ | C | about as safe |
Summarizing Home Security Considerations in Cedar Rapids, IA
Deciding whether you need a home security system in Cedar Rapids, IA can be a complicated decision. We've used distrinctive property crime statistics and varying environment factors about the city to help us make an objective recommendation for most residents. Leveraging CrimeGrade.org's uniquely robust and granular crime data, we've scrutinized the options for home security systems, tailoring them to the unique needs and context of Cedar Rapids residents.
Combining the property crime Grades, demographic information, and local climate conditions for advanced home security features gives us some companies that stand out.
Simplisafe, Vivint, and Ring have emerged as the top choices for Cedar Rapids residents due to their distinctive offerings and reliability, each appealing to varied preferences and budget ranges of homeowners and renters alike. Notably, factors such as Cedar Rapids's climate, housing age, and average income levels further steer the home security considerations.
Property Crime Insights
- A property crime occurs approximately every 3 hours 30 minutes in Cedar Rapids.
- The city experiences 17.33 property crimes and 5.739 vandalism insidents per 1,000 people annually.
- Cedar Rapids's property crime grade stands at an 'D', comparably as safe as other Iowa {{place_type__plural_lower}}.
Noteworthy Security Companies
- Simplisafe: We believe Simplisafe is the best home security system for residents of Cedar Rapids. The combination of a high amount of renters (26%) and education level (35% of residents have a college degree) makes Simplisafe our top pick.
- Vivint: Vivint doesn't seem to care about competitive prices; just quality. Their bespoke whole-house systems combine strict security with cutting-edge technology and full-scale home automation, making up the complete package.
- Ring: Ring Alarm is a disrupter whose incredibly low monitoring fees (as low as 1/10th the price of larger and better-known companies) and sharp equipment has already made them a household name.
Climate Considerations for Security
- Fire sensors could be worth considering, since the average temperature reaches 85.26 degrees in the peak months of July & August.
- Freeze sensors might be worth considering, with January & February temperatures averaging 18.70 degrees.
- Flood sensors are also worth considering due to the 0.9" of average yearly rainfall and house age of 42 years.
Self vs. Professional Monitoring & Installation
- 26.22% of Cedar Rapids residents are renters, potentially inclining towards self-monitored systems.
- Given the 86% of commuters, professional monitoring might offer valuable peace of mind.
- Considering Cedar Rapids's lower household median income of $78,294 and 35.2% college-degree holding populace, investment in professional installation and advanced system features might be favorable.
Local Police Presence
- Cedar Rapids hosts 14 police stations within it's borders, potentially influencing response times.