Drake Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safer than 33% of neighborhoods in Des Moines
Safety at a Glance
Is Drake Safe?
Drake in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 137, which is 37% above the national average of 100. Drake is safer than 33% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Drake is 9% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 164, 64% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 124).
Overall, Drake 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.
Drake 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
|
143 | +43% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
124 | +24% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
154 | +54% | High | |
|
Rape
|
164 | +64% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
130 | +30% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
160 | +60% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
154 | +54% | High | |
How Drake Compares
Crime index by category: Drake vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Drake Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Drake Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Drake, Des Moines?
Drake in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 137, which is 37% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Drake is 9% higher. Drake is safer than 33% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Is Drake a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Drake is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Rape (index: 164), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 124).
How does Drake compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Drake's overall crime index is 137, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Drake is 9% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 146, and for property crime it is 148. 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 Drake?
The most prevalent crime type in Drake is Rape, with a crime index of 164 (64% 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 Drake?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include North of Grand, Woodland Heights, Waveland Park and Mondamin Presidential. These areas are close to Drake and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Drake?
Drake has a population of approximately 12,631. The median household income is $50,175. The median home value is $195,929. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Drake crime compare to the national average?
Drake's overall crime rate is 37% above the national average (index 137 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 33% 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.