Fort Des Moines Neighborhood, Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

A-

Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories

Safer than 46% of neighborhoods in Des Moines

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 119 / 300 High
Violent Crime 104
4% above national avg
Property Crime 129
29% above national avg
City Ranking
46%
safer than other
Des Moines neighborhoods

Is Fort Des Moines Safe?

Fort Des Moines in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 119, which is 19% above the national average of 100. Fort Des Moines is safer than 46% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Fort Des Moines is 9% 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: 146, 46% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 82). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Overall, Fort 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.

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 146 (46% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Assault · Index 82 (18% below avg)

Fort 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
120 +20% Moderate
Assault
82 -18% Average
Robbery
103 +3% Moderate
Rape
112 +12% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
123 +23% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
146 +46% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
118 +18% Moderate

How Fort Des Moines Compares

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

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Fort Des Moines 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

Fort Des Moines Demographics & Context

Population
5,298
Median Income
$55,475
Home Value
$166,673
Median Age
33
Pop. Density
5,299/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 13%
Graduate Degree 4.5%

Housing

57%
43%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 71.7%
Black 11.2%
Hispanic 19.1%
Asian 3%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Somerset Index: 166
B+
Magnolia Park Index: 97
A
South Park Index: 171
B+
Watrous South Index: 124
A
Watrous Heights Index: 78
A
Indianola Hills Index: 154
A
Easter Lake Area Index: 96
A
Gray's Lake Index: 125
A
Fort Des Moines 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 Fort Des Moines, Des Moines?

Fort Des Moines in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 119, which is 19% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Fort Des Moines is 9% lower. Fort Des Moines is safer than 46% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Is Fort Des Moines a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

Fort Des Moines is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 146), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 82).

How does Fort Des Moines compare to the rest of Des Moines?

Fort Des Moines's overall crime index is 119, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Fort Des Moines is 9% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 104, and for property crime it is 129. 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 Fort Des Moines?

The most prevalent crime type in Fort Des Moines is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 146 (46% 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 Fort Des Moines?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Somerset, Magnolia Park, South Park and Watrous South. These areas are close to Fort Des Moines and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Fort Des Moines?

Fort Des Moines has a population of approximately 5,298. The median household income is $55,475. The median home value is $166,673. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Fort Des Moines crime compare to the national average?

Fort Des Moines's overall crime rate is 19% above the national average (index 119 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 46% 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.