Forest Park Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Elevated crime — noticeably above the national average
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Forest Park Safe?
No — crime is noticeably above average here. Forest Park in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of D+. The overall crime index is 174, which is 74% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Forest Park is 46% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 175, 75% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 62). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Forest Park 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
|
166 | +66% | High | |
|
Assault
|
157 | +57% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
62 | -38% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
175 | +75% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
80 | -20% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
105 | +5% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
166 | +66% | High | |
How Forest Park Compares
Crime index by category: Forest Park vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Forest Park 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 Park Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Forest Park, Des Moines?
Forest Park in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 174, which is 74% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Forest Park is 46% higher.
Is Forest Park a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Forest Park has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Rape (index: 175), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 62).
How does Forest Park compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Forest Park's overall crime index is 174, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Forest Park is 46% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 140, and for property crime it is 117. 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 Park?
The most prevalent crime type in Forest Park is Rape, with a crime index of 175 (75% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Forest Park?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Mondamin Presidential, Cheatom Park and Prospect Park. These areas are close to Forest Park and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Forest Park?
Forest Park has a population of approximately 149. The median household income is $60,465. The median home value is $126,088. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Forest Park crime compare to the national average?
Forest Park's overall crime rate is 74% above the national average (index 174 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.