Cortez 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 Cortez Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. Cortez in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 196, which is 96% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Cortez is 68% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 199, 99% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 183).
Cortez 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
|
198 | +98% | High | |
|
Assault
|
185 | +85% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
199 | +99% | High | |
|
Rape
|
183 | +83% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
188 | +88% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
199 | +99% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
196 | +96% | High | |
How Cortez Compares
Crime index by category: Cortez vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Cortez Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Cortez Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Cortez, Des Moines?
Cortez in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 196, which is 96% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Cortez is 68% higher.
Is Cortez a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Cortez is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 199), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 183).
How does Cortez compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Cortez's overall crime index is 196, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Cortez is 68% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 191, and for property crime it is 194. 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 Cortez?
The most prevalent crime type in Cortez is Robbery, with a crime index of 199 (99% 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 Cortez?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Woodland Heights, Greenwood Historic, North of Grand and Salisbury Oaks. These areas are close to Cortez and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Cortez?
Cortez has a population of approximately 14. The median household income is $27,545. The median home value is $97,778. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Cortez crime compare to the national average?
Cortez's overall crime rate is 96% above the national average (index 196 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.