Des Moines, IA Crime Rate & Safety

Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 14% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 330 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 54 chance for property crime. Des Moines has lower crime than 44% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Des Moines has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Approximately 87% of the city's 52 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Ingersoll Park is one of the safest areas, while Good Park has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Des Moines is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Des Moines are Ingersoll Park, Brook Run VIllage, Waterbury, Salisbury Oaks, and Linden Heights. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Des Moines include Good Park, Historic East Village, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Chautauqua Park, and River Bend. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Des Moines is 302.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 20% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 330 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.2 per 100K (16% below average); aggravated assault at 210.9 per 100K (21% below average); robbery at 60.2 per 100K (19% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Des Moines is 1,858.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 1% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 54 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 237.1 per 100K (12% below average); larceny/theft at 1,341.0 per 100K (4% below average); vehicle theft at 280.1 per 100K (12% below average).

Des Moines's overall crime rate is 14% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (4% below average), while assault is 21% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Des Moines has lower crime than 44% of them.

Visitors to Des Moines should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 1% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Ingersoll Park, Brook Run VIllage, Waterbury.

Iowa as a whole has crime that is 14% above the national average. Des Moines's crime rate is 14% below the national average, making it roughly comparable to the typical Iowa city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Des Moines, with an estimated rate of 1,341.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 4% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,858 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (303 per 100K) in Des Moines, which is consistent with national trends.