Highland Hills Neighborhood, Des Moines

Last updated: November 11, 2026

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Summary: Highland Hills, Des Moines Crime Rate (2026)

Highland Hills, Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime rate is 25% above the national average.

Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: November 11, 2026.

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 125 / 300 High
Violent Crime 100
0% below national avg
Property Crime 94
6% below national avg

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in Des Moines

Is Highland Hills Safe?

Mixed — the grade is relative to other neighborhoods, but crime is above the national average. 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).

Highest Risk
Murder · Index 124 (24% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Assault · Index 59 (41% below avg)

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.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

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Highland Hills Demographics & Context

Population
739
Median Income
$48,859
Home Value
$166,600
Median Age
36
Pop. Density
5,026/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 14.2%
Graduate Degree 0.6%

Housing

83%
17%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 84.9%
Black 4.8%
Hispanic 8.1%
Asian 2.9%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Watrous South Index: 124
A
Somerset Index: 166
B+
Fort Des Moines Index: 119
A-
Watrous Heights Index: 78
A
Magnolia Park Index: 97
A
South Park Index: 171
B+
Southwestern Hills Index: 81
A
Gray's Lake Index: 125
A
Highland Hills 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 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 has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of A. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. 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 common crime type in Highland Hills is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 118 (18% above the national average). Homicide is the most elevated type versus the national average (index 124), not the most frequent crime. 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 November 2026.