Birchwood Place Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Birchwood Place Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Birchwood Place in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 95, which is 5% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Birchwood Place is 33% 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, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 184, 84% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 97). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Birchwood Place 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
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
184 | +84% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
114 | +14% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
173 | +73% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
97 | -3% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
112 | +12% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
125 | +25% | Moderate | |
How Birchwood Place Compares
Crime index by category: Birchwood Place vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Birchwood Place Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Birchwood Place Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Birchwood Place, Des Moines?
Birchwood Place in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 95, which is 5% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Birchwood Place is 33% lower.
Is Birchwood Place a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Birchwood Place is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 184), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 97).
How does Birchwood Place compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Birchwood Place's overall crime index is 95, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Birchwood Place is 33% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 143, and for property crime it is 111. 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 Birchwood Place?
The most prevalent crime type in Birchwood Place is Assault, with a crime index of 184 (84% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Birchwood Place?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Union Park, Capitol Park, Fairmont Park and Highland Park. These areas are close to Birchwood Place and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Birchwood Place?
Birchwood Place has a population of approximately 220. The median household income is $51,593. The median home value is $183,058. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Birchwood Place crime compare to the national average?
Birchwood Place's overall crime rate is 5% below the national average (index 95 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.