Highland Park Neighborhood, Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

A-

Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories

Safer than 44% of neighborhoods in Des Moines

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate

Low 111 / 300 High

Violent Crime 103

3% above national avg

Property Crime 131

31% above national avg

City Ranking

44%

safer than other

Des Moines neighborhoods

Is Highland Park Safe?

Highland Park in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 111, which is 11% above the national average of 100. Highland Park is safer than 44% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Highland Park is 17% lower in overall crime.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 139, 39% above average), while murder is the lowest risk (index: 98). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Overall, Highland Park is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.

Highest Risk

Larceny / Theft · Index 139 (39% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Murder · Index 98 (2% below avg)

Highland Park Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Des Moines city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Des Moines	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	98	-2%	-27%	Average
Assault	109	+9%	-8%	Moderate
Robbery	106	+6%	-8%	Moderate
Rape	99	-1%	N/A	Average
Property Crime
Burglary	137	+37%	+13%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	139	+39%	0%	Moderate
Vehicle Theft	117	+17%	-12%	Moderate

How Highland Park Compares

Crime index by category: Highland Park vs Des Moines average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Highland Park 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

Highland Park Demographics & Context

Population

9,712

Median Income

$60,898

Home Value

$141,106

Median Age

Pop. Density

4,778/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 11.5%

Graduate Degree 3.5%

Housing

69%

31%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 69.3%

Black 11.7%

Hispanic 18.5%

Asian 6.9%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Union Park Index: 97

A-

Oak Park Index: 139

River Bend Index: 163

Chautauqua Park Index: 169

C-

King Irving Index: 156

C+

Capitol Park Index: 176

B-

Mondamin Presidential Index: 153

B-

Fairmont Park Index: 120

Highland Park 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 Park, Des Moines?

Highland Park in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 111, which is 11% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Highland Park is 17% lower. Highland Park is safer than 44% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Is Highland Park a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

Highland Park is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 139), while Murder is the lowest risk (index: 98).

How does Highland Park compare to the rest of Des Moines?

Highland Park's overall crime index is 111, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Highland Park is 17% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 103, and for property crime it is 131. 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 Park?

The most prevalent crime type in Highland Park is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 139 (39% 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 Highland Park?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Union Park, Oak Park, Capitol Park and Mondamin Presidential. These areas are close to Highland Park and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Highland Park?

Highland Park has a population of approximately 9,712. The median household income is $60,898. The median home value is $141,106. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Highland Park crime compare to the national average?

Highland Park's overall crime rate is 11% above the national average (index 111 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 44% of neighborhoods. 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 March 2026.