Harding Heights Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Harding Heights Safe?
Not really — crime is above the national average. Harding Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 177, which is 77% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Harding Heights is 49% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 175, 75% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 124).
Harding 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
|
175 | +75% | High | |
|
Assault
|
153 | +53% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
165 | +65% | High | |
|
Rape
|
158 | +58% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
124 | +24% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
165 | +65% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
169 | +69% | High | |
How Harding Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Harding Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Harding 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
Harding Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Harding Heights, Des Moines?
Harding Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 177, which is 77% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Harding Heights is 49% higher.
Is Harding Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Harding Heights has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Murder (index: 175), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 124).
How does Harding Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Harding Heights's overall crime index is 177, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Harding Heights is 49% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 163, and for property crime it is 153. 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 Harding Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Harding Heights is Murder, 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 Harding Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Prospect Park, Oak Park, Beaverdale and Mondamin Presidential. These areas are close to Harding Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Harding Heights?
Harding Heights has a population of approximately 107. The median household income is $32,815. The median home value is $163,839. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Harding Heights crime compare to the national average?
Harding Heights's overall crime rate is 77% above the national average (index 177 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.