Highland Hills 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 Highland Hills Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Highland Hills in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 125, which is 25% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Highland Hills is 3% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 124, 24% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 59).
Highland Hills 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
|
124 | +24% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
59 | -41% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
116 | +16% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
100 | 0% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
68 | -32% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
118 | +18% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
97 | -3% | Average | |
How Highland Hills Compares
Crime index by category: Highland Hills vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Highland Hills Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Highland Hills Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Highland Hills, Des Moines?
Highland Hills in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 125, which is 25% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Highland Hills is 3% lower.
Is Highland Hills a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Highland Hills is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Murder (index: 124), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 59).
How does Highland Hills compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Highland Hills's overall crime index is 125, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Highland Hills is 3% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 100, and for property crime it is 94. 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 Highland Hills?
The most prevalent crime type in Highland Hills is Murder, with a crime index of 124 (24% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Highland Hills?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Watrous South, Somerset, Fort Des Moines and Watrous Heights. These areas are close to Highland Hills and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Highland Hills?
Highland Hills has a population of approximately 739. The median household income is $48,859. The median home value is $166,600. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Highland Hills crime compare to the national average?
Highland Hills's overall crime rate is 25% above the national average (index 125 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.