Cliff Side Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Cliff Side Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Cliff Side in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 62, which is 38% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Cliff Side is 66% 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, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 113, 13% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 18). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Cliff Side 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
|
86 | -14% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
50 | -50% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
38 | -62% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
18 | -82% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
50 | -50% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
113 | +13% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
How Cliff Side Compares
Crime index by category: Cliff Side vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Cliff Side Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Cliff Side Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Cliff Side, Des Moines?
Cliff Side in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 62, which is 38% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Cliff Side is 66% lower.
Is Cliff Side a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Cliff Side is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 113), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 18).
How does Cliff Side compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Cliff Side's overall crime index is 62, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Cliff Side is 66% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 48, and for property crime it is 87. 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 Cliff Side?
The most prevalent crime type in Cliff Side is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 113 (13% 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 Cliff Side?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Westwood, Linden Heights, Salisbury Oaks and Waterbury. These areas are close to Cliff Side and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Cliff Side?
Cliff Side has a population of approximately 43. The median household income is $110,846. The median home value is $515,333. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Cliff Side crime compare to the national average?
Cliff Side's overall crime rate is 38% below the national average (index 62 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.