Indianola Hills Neighborhood, Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 48% of neighborhoods in Des Moines

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 154 / 300 High
Violent Crime 129
29% above national avg
Property Crime 131
31% above national avg
City Ranking
48%
safer than other
Des Moines neighborhoods

Is Indianola Hills Safe?

Indianola Hills in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 154, which is 54% above the national average of 100. Indianola Hills is safer than 48% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Indianola Hills is 26% higher in overall crime.

Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 145, 45% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 102).

Overall, Indianola Hills 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
Murder · Index 145 (45% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Assault · Index 102 (2% above avg)

Indianola 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
145 +45% Moderate
Assault
102 +2% Moderate
Robbery
135 +35% Moderate
Rape
133 +33% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
127 +27% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
145 +45% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
122 +22% Moderate

How Indianola Hills Compares

Crime index by category: Indianola Hills vs Des Moines average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Indianola 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

Indianola Hills Demographics & Context

Population
6,838
Median Income
$58,041
Home Value
$157,931
Median Age
33
Pop. Density
4,475/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 10.2%
Graduate Degree 1.6%

Housing

67%
33%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 76.6%
Black 8.8%
Hispanic 15.9%
Asian 3.3%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Indianola Hills, Des Moines?

Indianola Hills in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 154, which is 54% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Indianola Hills is 26% higher. Indianola Hills is safer than 48% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Is Indianola Hills a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

Indianola Hills is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Murder (index: 145), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 102).

How does Indianola Hills compare to the rest of Des Moines?

Indianola Hills's overall crime index is 154, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Indianola Hills is 26% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 129, 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 Indianola Hills?

The most prevalent crime type in Indianola Hills is Murder, with a crime index of 145 (45% 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 Indianola Hills?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include McKinley School / Columbus Park, Gray's Lake, Pioneer Park and Watrous Heights. These areas are close to Indianola Hills and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Indianola Hills?

Indianola Hills has a population of approximately 6,838. The median household income is $58,041. The median home value is $157,931. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Indianola Hills crime compare to the national average?

Indianola Hills's overall crime rate is 54% above the national average (index 154 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 48% 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.