Kirkwood Heights 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 Kirkwood Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Kirkwood Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Kirkwood Heights is 13% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 142, 42% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 92).
Kirkwood 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
|
131 | +31% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
107 | +7% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
142 | +42% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
92 | -8% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
123 | +23% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
116 | +16% | Moderate | |
How Kirkwood Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Kirkwood Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Kirkwood 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
Kirkwood Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Kirkwood Heights, Des Moines?
Kirkwood Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Kirkwood Heights is 13% higher.
Is Kirkwood Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Kirkwood Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 142), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 92).
How does Kirkwood Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Kirkwood Heights's overall crime index is 141, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Kirkwood Heights is 13% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 118, and for property crime it is 126. 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 Kirkwood Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Kirkwood Heights is Robbery, 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 Kirkwood Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Gray's Lake, Indianola Hills, McKinley School / Columbus Park and Downtown Des Moines. These areas are close to Kirkwood Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Kirkwood Heights?
Kirkwood Heights has a population of approximately 31. The median household income is $82,114. The median home value is $139,034. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Kirkwood Heights crime compare to the national average?
Kirkwood Heights's overall crime rate is 41% above the national average (index 141 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.