Fairground Neighborhood, Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 54% of neighborhoods in Des Moines

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 125 / 300 High
Violent Crime 111
11% above national avg
Property Crime 126
26% above national avg
City Ranking
54%
safer than other
Des Moines neighborhoods

Is Fairground Safe?

Fairground in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 125, which is 25% above the national average of 100. Fairground is safer than 54% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Fairground is 3% lower 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: 136, 36% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 99).

Overall, Fairground 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.

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 136 (36% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Robbery · Index 99 (1% below avg)

Fairground 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
113 +13% Moderate
Assault
115 +15% Moderate
Robbery
99 -1% Average
Rape
117 +17% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
111 +11% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
136 +36% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
130 +30% Moderate

How Fairground Compares

Crime index by category: Fairground vs Des Moines average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Fairground Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

Fairground Demographics & Context

Population
5,647
Median Income
$51,029
Home Value
$118,552
Median Age
35
Pop. Density
6,288/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 7.6%
Graduate Degree 0.3%

Housing

71%
29%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 78.4%
Black 5.6%
Hispanic 19.9%
Asian 4%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Capitol East Index: 163
A-
Martin Luther King Jr. Park Index: 158
C-
Accent Index: 122
A
Valley High Manor Index: 99
A
Fairmont Park Index: 120
A
Gray's Woods Index: 112
A
Capitol Park Index: 176
B-
Historic East Village Index: 191
C-
Fairground Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Des Moines Crime Statistics
View all Des Moines neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Fairground, Des Moines?

Fairground in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 125, which is 25% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Fairground is 3% lower. Fairground is safer than 54% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Is Fairground a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

Fairground is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 136), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 99).

How does Fairground compare to the rest of Des Moines?

Fairground's overall crime index is 125, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Fairground is 3% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 111, and for property crime it is 126. 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 Fairground?

The most prevalent crime type in Fairground is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 136 (36% 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 Fairground?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Capitol East, Accent, Valley High Manor and Fairmont Park. These areas are close to Fairground and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Fairground?

Fairground has a population of approximately 5,647. The median household income is $51,029. The median home value is $118,552. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Fairground crime compare to the national average?

Fairground's overall crime rate is 25% above the national average (index 125 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 54% 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.