Gardena Heights Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Gardena Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Gardena Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 163, which is 63% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Gardena Heights is 35% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 167, 67% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 86). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Gardena Heights 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
|
161 | +61% | High | |
|
Assault
|
116 | +16% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
167 | +67% | High | |
|
Rape
|
149 | +49% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
86 | -14% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
135 | +35% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
107 | +7% | Moderate | |
How Gardena Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Gardena Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Gardena Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Gardena Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Gardena Heights, Des Moines?
Gardena Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 163, which is 63% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Gardena Heights is 35% higher.
Is Gardena Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Gardena Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 167), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 86).
How does Gardena Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Gardena Heights's overall crime index is 163, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Gardena Heights is 35% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 148, and for property crime it is 109. 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 Gardena Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Gardena Heights is Robbery, with a crime index of 167 (67% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Gardena Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Watrous South, Watrous Heights, Magnolia Park and Fort Des Moines. These areas are close to Gardena Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Gardena Heights?
Gardena Heights has a population of approximately 109. The median household income is $70,882. The median home value is $161,283. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Gardena Heights crime compare to the national average?
Gardena Heights's overall crime rate is 63% above the national average (index 163 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.