Carmel Heights Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Good safety — crime rates are below the national average
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Carmel Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. Carmel Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 161, which is 61% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Carmel Heights is 33% 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: 177, 77% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 120). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Carmel 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
|
163 | +63% | High | |
|
Assault
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
170 | +70% | High | |
|
Rape
|
129 | +29% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
165 | +65% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
177 | +77% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
160 | +60% | High | |
How Carmel Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Carmel Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Carmel 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
Carmel Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Carmel Heights, Des Moines?
Carmel Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 161, which is 61% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Carmel Heights is 33% higher.
Is Carmel Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Carmel Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 177), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 120).
How does Carmel Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Carmel Heights's overall crime index is 161, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Carmel Heights is 33% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 146, and for property crime it is 167. 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 Carmel Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Carmel Heights is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 177 (77% 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 Carmel Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Lower Beaver, Prospect Park, Oak Park and Beaverdale. These areas are close to Carmel Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Carmel Heights?
Carmel Heights has a population of approximately 234. The median household income is $51,313. The median home value is $205,068. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Carmel Heights crime compare to the national average?
Carmel Heights's overall crime rate is 61% above the national average (index 161 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.