Highlawn 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 Highlawn Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Highlawn in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 151, which is 51% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Highlawn is 23% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 162, 62% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 102).
Highlawn 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
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
162 | +62% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
102 | +2% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
153 | +53% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
131 | +31% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
141 | +41% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
160 | +60% | High | |
How Highlawn Compares
Crime index by category: Highlawn vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Highlawn Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Highlawn Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Highlawn, Des Moines?
Highlawn in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 151, which is 51% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Highlawn is 23% higher.
Is Highlawn a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Highlawn is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 162), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 102).
How does Highlawn compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Highlawn's overall crime index is 151, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Highlawn is 23% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 141, and for property crime it is 144. 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 Highlawn?
The most prevalent crime type in Highlawn is Assault, with a crime index of 162 (62% 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 Highlawn?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Beaverdale, Prospect Park, Drake and Lower Beaver. These areas are close to Highlawn and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Highlawn?
Highlawn has a population of approximately 358. The median household income is $68,991. The median home value is $176,872. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Highlawn crime compare to the national average?
Highlawn's overall crime rate is 51% above the national average (index 151 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.