Gray 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 Gray Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Gray Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 130, which is 30% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Gray Heights is 2% higher 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: 170, 70% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 41). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Gray 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
|
86 | -14% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
85 | -15% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
116 | +16% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
41 | -59% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
116 | +16% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
170 | +70% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
123 | +23% | Moderate | |
How Gray Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Gray Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Gray 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
Gray Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Gray Heights, Des Moines?
Gray Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 130, which is 30% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Gray Heights is 2% higher.
Is Gray Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Gray Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 170), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 41).
How does Gray Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Gray Heights's overall crime index is 130, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Gray Heights is 2% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 82, and for property crime it is 136. 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 Gray Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Gray Heights is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 170 (70% 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 Gray Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Accent, Gray's Woods, Valley High Manor and Fairground. These areas are close to Gray Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Gray Heights?
Gray Heights has a population of approximately 403. The median household income is $56,044. The median home value is $137,023. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Gray Heights crime compare to the national average?
Gray Heights's overall crime rate is 30% above the national average (index 130 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.