Capitol Park Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safer than 13% of neighborhoods in Des Moines
Safety at a Glance
Is Capitol Park Safe?
Capitol Park in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 176, which is 76% above the national average of 100. Capitol Park is safer than 13% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Capitol Park is 48% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 178, 78% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 131).
Overall, Capitol Park 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 Park 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
|
171 | +71% | High | |
|
Assault
|
168 | +68% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
131 | +31% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
178 | +78% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
156 | +56% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
158 | +58% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
178 | +78% | High | |
How Capitol Park Compares
Crime index by category: Capitol Park vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Capitol Park Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Capitol Park Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Capitol Park, Des Moines?
Capitol Park in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 176, which is 76% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Capitol Park is 48% higher. Capitol Park is safer than 13% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Is Capitol Park a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Capitol Park is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Rape (index: 178), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 131).
How does Capitol Park compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Capitol Park's overall crime index is 176, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Capitol Park is 48% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 162, and for property crime it is 164. 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 Park?
The most prevalent crime type in Capitol Park is Rape, with a crime index of 178 (78% 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 Park?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Union Park, Capitol East and Cheatom Park. These areas are close to Capitol Park and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Capitol Park?
Capitol Park has a population of approximately 3,642. The median household income is $33,477. The median home value is $132,991. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Capitol Park crime compare to the national average?
Capitol Park's overall crime rate is 76% above the national average (index 176 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 13% 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.