Dewey 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 Dewey Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Dewey Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 95, which is 5% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Dewey Heights is 33% 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, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 184, 84% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 97). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Dewey 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
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
184 | +84% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
114 | +14% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
173 | +73% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
97 | -3% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
112 | +12% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
125 | +25% | Moderate | |
How Dewey Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Dewey Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Dewey 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
Dewey Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Dewey Heights, Des Moines?
Dewey Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 95, which is 5% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Dewey Heights is 33% lower.
Is Dewey Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Dewey Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 184), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 97).
How does Dewey Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Dewey Heights's overall crime index is 95, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Dewey Heights is 33% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 143, and for property crime it is 111. 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 Dewey Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Dewey Heights is Assault, with a crime index of 184 (84% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Dewey Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Union Park, Capitol Park, Fairmont Park and Highland Park. These areas are close to Dewey Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Dewey Heights?
Dewey Heights has a population of approximately 212. The median household income is $51,593. The median home value is $165,327. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Dewey Heights crime compare to the national average?
Dewey Heights's overall crime rate is 5% below the national average (index 95 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.