Historic East Village Neighborhood, Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

C-

Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average

Safer than 2% of neighborhoods in Des Moines

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 191 / 300 High
Violent Crime 185
85% above national avg
Property Crime 178
78% above national avg
City Ranking
2%
safer than other
Des Moines neighborhoods

Is Historic East Village Safe?

Historic East Village in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 191, which is 91% above the national average of 100. Historic East Village is safer than 2% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Historic East Village is 63% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 189, 89% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 161).

Historic East Village has a moderate crime profile. While many residents feel comfortable here, it's worth being aware of your surroundings and reviewing the specific crime categories below to understand which risks are most relevant.

Highest Risk
Assault · Index 189 (89% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Burglary · Index 161 (61% above avg)

Historic East Village 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
187 +87% High
Assault
189 +89% High
Robbery
183 +83% High
Rape
180 +80% High
Property Crime
Burglary
161 +61% High
Larceny / Theft
185 +85% High
Vehicle Theft
189 +89% High

How Historic East Village Compares

Crime index by category: Historic East Village vs Des Moines average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Historic East Village 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

Historic East Village Demographics & Context

Population
2,028
Median Income
$36,802
Home Value
$287,700
Median Age
30
Pop. Density
1,668/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 16.1%
Graduate Degree 10.3%

Housing

12%
88%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 45.4%
Black 34.9%
Hispanic 20.6%
Asian 4.3%

Nearby Neighborhoods

McKinley School / Columbus Park Index: 116
A
Capitol East Index: 163
A-
Capitol Park Index: 176
B-
Downtown Des Moines Index: 198
B
Martin Luther King Jr. Park Index: 158
C-
Cheatom Park Index: 153
B-
Indianola Hills Index: 154
A
River Bend Index: 163
C
Historic East Village 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 Historic East Village, Des Moines?

Historic East Village in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 191, which is 91% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Historic East Village is 63% higher. Historic East Village is safer than 2% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Is Historic East Village a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

Historic East Village has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Assault (index: 189), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 161). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Des Moines.

How does Historic East Village compare to the rest of Des Moines?

Historic East Village's overall crime index is 191, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Historic East Village is 63% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 185, and for property crime it is 178. 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 Historic East Village?

The most prevalent crime type in Historic East Village is Assault, with a crime index of 189 (89% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Historic East Village?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include McKinley School / Columbus Park, Capitol East, Capitol Park and Downtown Des Moines. These areas are close to Historic East Village and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Historic East Village?

Historic East Village has a population of approximately 2,028. The median household income is $36,802. The median home value is $287,700. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Historic East Village crime compare to the national average?

Historic East Village's overall crime rate is 91% above the national average (index 191 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 2% 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.