Lawson Place Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Des Moines
Is Lawson Place Safe?
Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. Lawson Place 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.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Lawson Place is 63% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 190, 90% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 131).
Lawson Place 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
|
186 | +86% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
163 | +63% | High | |
|
Rape
|
190 | +90% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
131 | +31% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
171 | +71% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
190 | +90% | High | |
How Lawson Place Compares
Crime index by category: Lawson Place vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Lawson Place Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Lawson Place Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Lawson Place, Des Moines?
Lawson Place 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 Lawson Place is 63% higher.
Is Lawson Place a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Lawson Place has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Rape (index: 190), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 131).
How does Lawson Place compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Lawson Place's overall crime index is 191, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Lawson Place is 63% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 182, and for property crime it is 164. 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 Lawson Place?
The most prevalent crime type in Lawson Place is Rape, with a crime index of 190 (90% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Lawson Place?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Capitol East, Capitol Park, Fairground and McKinley School / Columbus Park. These areas are close to Lawson Place and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Lawson Place?
Lawson Place has a population of approximately 6. The median household income is $30,921. The median home value is $119,856. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Lawson Place crime compare to the national average?
Lawson Place's overall crime rate is 91% above the national average (index 191 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.