Downtown Des Moines Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Good safety — crime rates are below the national average
Safer than 27% of neighborhoods in Des Moines
Safety at a Glance
Is Downtown Des Moines Safe?
Downtown Des Moines in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 198, which is 98% above the national average of 100. Downtown Des Moines is safer than 27% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Downtown Des Moines is 70% 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: 198, 98% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 186).
Overall, Downtown Des Moines is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.
Downtown Des Moines 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
|
197 | +97% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
195 | +95% | High | |
|
Rape
|
195 | +95% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
186 | +86% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
196 | +96% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
198 | +98% | High | |
How Downtown Des Moines Compares
Crime index by category: Downtown Des Moines vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Downtown Des Moines Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Downtown Des Moines Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines?
Downtown Des Moines in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 198, which is 98% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Downtown Des Moines is 70% higher. Downtown Des Moines is safer than 27% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Is Downtown Des Moines a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Downtown Des Moines is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Murder (index: 198), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 186).
How does Downtown Des Moines compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Downtown Des Moines's overall crime index is 198, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Downtown Des Moines is 70% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 196, and for property crime it is 193. 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 Downtown Des Moines?
The most prevalent crime type in Downtown Des Moines is Murder, with a crime index of 198 (98% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Downtown Des Moines?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Sherman Hill, Cheatom Park, McKinley School / Columbus Park and Gray's Lake. These areas are close to Downtown Des Moines and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Downtown Des Moines?
Downtown Des Moines has a population of approximately 3,221. The median household income is $37,108. The median home value is $276,514. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Downtown Des Moines crime compare to the national average?
Downtown Des Moines's overall crime rate is 98% above the national average (index 198 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 27% of neighborhoods. 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 March 2026.