Forest Hills Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Forest Hills Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Forest Hills in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 104, which is 4% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Forest Hills is 24% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 113, 13% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 28).
Forest Hills 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
|
98 | -2% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
28 | -72% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
29 | -71% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
59 | -41% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
62 | -38% | Low | |
How Forest Hills Compares
Crime index by category: Forest Hills vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Forest Hills Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Forest Hills Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Forest Hills, Des Moines?
Forest Hills in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 104, which is 4% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Forest Hills is 24% lower.
Is Forest Hills a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Forest Hills is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Murder (index: 113), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 28).
How does Forest Hills compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Forest Hills's overall crime index is 104, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Forest Hills is 24% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 67, and for property crime it is 76. 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 Forest Hills?
The most prevalent crime type in Forest Hills is Murder, with a crime index of 113 (13% 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 Forest Hills?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Waveland Woods, Waterbury, Waveland Park and Westwood. These areas are close to Forest Hills and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Forest Hills?
Forest Hills has a population of approximately 53. The median household income is $94,808. The median home value is $279,063. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Forest Hills crime compare to the national average?
Forest Hills's overall crime rate is 4% above the national average (index 104 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.