Central Park 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 Central Park Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Central Park in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 188, which is 88% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Central Park is 60% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 186, 86% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 92). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Central 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
|
186 | +86% | High | |
|
Assault
|
170 | +70% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
121 | +21% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
186 | +86% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
92 | -8% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
142 | +42% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
180 | +80% | High | |
How Central Park Compares
Crime index by category: Central Park vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Central Park Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Central Park Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Central Park, Des Moines?
Central Park in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 188, which is 88% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Central Park is 60% higher.
Is Central Park a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Central Park is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Murder (index: 186), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 92).
How does Central Park compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Central Park's overall crime index is 188, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Central Park is 60% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 166, and for property crime it is 138. 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 Central Park?
The most prevalent crime type in Central Park is Murder, with a crime index of 186 (86% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Central Park?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Fairground, Capitol East, Accent and Fairmont Park. These areas are close to Central Park and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Central Park?
Central Park has a population of approximately 263. The median household income is $49,379. The median home value is $116,883. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Central Park crime compare to the national average?
Central Park's overall crime rate is 88% above the national average (index 188 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.