Cornell Heights 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 Cornell Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Cornell Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 130, which is 30% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Cornell Heights is 2% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 127, 27% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 80).
Cornell 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
|
117 | +17% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
80 | -20% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
91 | -9% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
104 | +4% | Moderate | |
How Cornell Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Cornell Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Cornell 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
Cornell Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Cornell Heights, Des Moines?
Cornell Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 130, which is 30% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Cornell Heights is 2% higher.
Is Cornell Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Cornell Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 127), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 80).
How does Cornell Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Cornell Heights's overall crime index is 130, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Cornell Heights is 2% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 101, and for property crime it is 107. 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 Cornell Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Cornell Heights is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 127 (27% 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 Cornell Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Union Park, Highland Park, Oak Park and Capitol Park. These areas are close to Cornell Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Cornell Heights?
Cornell Heights has a population of approximately 237. The median household income is $68,182. The median home value is $131,993. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Cornell Heights crime compare to the national average?
Cornell Heights's overall crime rate is 30% above the national average (index 130 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.