Capitol East Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 35% of neighborhoods in Des Moines
Safety at a Glance
Is Capitol East Safe?
Capitol East in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 163, which is 63% above the national average of 100. Capitol East is safer than 35% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Capitol East is 35% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 162, 62% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 72). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Overall, Capitol East is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.
Capitol East 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
|
124 | +24% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
107 | +7% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
115 | +15% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
72 | -28% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
162 | +62% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
139 | +39% | Moderate | |
How Capitol East Compares
Crime index by category: Capitol East vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Capitol East Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Capitol East Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Capitol East, Des Moines?
Capitol East in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 163, which is 63% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Capitol East is 35% higher. Capitol East is safer than 35% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Is Capitol East a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Capitol East is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 162), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 72).
How does Capitol East compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Capitol East's overall crime index is 163, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Capitol East is 35% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 105, and for property crime it is 149. 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 Capitol East?
The most prevalent crime type in Capitol East is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 162 (62% 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 Capitol East?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Capitol Park, Fairground, McKinley School / Columbus Park and Union Park. These areas are close to Capitol East and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Capitol East?
Capitol East has a population of approximately 2,116. The median household income is $27,987. The median home value is $120,785. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Capitol East crime compare to the national average?
Capitol East's overall crime rate is 63% above the national average (index 163 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 35% 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 March 2026.