Benlan Heights Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Des Moines
Is Benlan Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Benlan Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 18, which is 82% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Benlan Heights is 110% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Des Moines as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 101, 1% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 6). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Benlan Heights Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Des Moines city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
18 | -82% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
67 | -33% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
6 | -94% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
14 | -86% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
48 | -52% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
101 | +1% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
62 | -38% | Low | |
How Benlan Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Benlan Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Benlan Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Benlan Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Benlan Heights, Des Moines?
Benlan Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 18, which is 82% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Benlan Heights is 110% lower.
Is Benlan Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Benlan Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 101), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 6).
How does Benlan Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Benlan Heights's overall crime index is 18, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Benlan Heights is 110% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 26, and for property crime it is 70. 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 Benlan Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Benlan Heights is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 101 (1% 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 Benlan Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Lower Beaver, Beaverdale, Merle Hay and Prospect Park. These areas are close to Benlan Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Benlan Heights?
Benlan Heights has a population of approximately 53. The median household income is $88,938. The median home value is $343,096. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Benlan Heights crime compare to the national average?
Benlan Heights's overall crime rate is 82% below the national average (index 18 vs 100). 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.