Joy Heights Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Joy Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Joy Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 39, which is 61% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Joy Heights is 89% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Des Moines as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 142, 42% above average), while murder is the lowest risk (index: 31). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Joy Heights 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
|
31 | -69% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
38 | -62% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
76 | -24% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
69 | -31% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
142 | +42% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
93 | -7% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
84 | -16% | Average | |
How Joy Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Joy Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Joy Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Joy Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Joy Heights, Des Moines?
Joy Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 39, which is 61% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Joy Heights is 89% lower.
Is Joy Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Joy Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 142), while Murder is the lowest risk (index: 31).
How does Joy Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Joy Heights's overall crime index is 39, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Joy Heights is 89% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 54, and for property crime it is 106. 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 Joy Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Joy Heights is Burglary, with a crime index of 142 (42% 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 Joy Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Fairmont Park, Accent, Douglas Acres and Sheridan Gardens. These areas are close to Joy Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Joy Heights?
Joy Heights has a population of approximately 50. The median household income is $80,789. The median home value is $184,398. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Joy Heights crime compare to the national average?
Joy Heights's overall crime rate is 61% below the national average (index 39 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.