Lower Beaver Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 56% of neighborhoods in Des Moines
Safety at a Glance
Is Lower Beaver Safe?
Lower Beaver in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 84, which is 16% below the national average of 100. Lower Beaver is safer than 56% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Lower Beaver is 44% 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, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 120, 20% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 47). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Overall, Lower Beaver 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.
Lower Beaver 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
|
91 | -9% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
89 | -11% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
70 | -30% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
47 | -53% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
91 | -9% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
98 | -2% | Average | |
How Lower Beaver Compares
Crime index by category: Lower Beaver vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Lower Beaver Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Lower Beaver Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Lower Beaver, Des Moines?
Lower Beaver in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 84, which is 16% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Lower Beaver is 44% lower. Lower Beaver is safer than 56% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Is Lower Beaver a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Lower Beaver is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 120), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 47).
How does Lower Beaver compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Lower Beaver's overall crime index is 84, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Lower Beaver is 44% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 74, and for property crime it is 103. 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 Lower Beaver?
The most prevalent crime type in Lower Beaver is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 120 (20% 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 Lower Beaver?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Beaverdale, Prospect Park, Oak Park and Merle Hay. These areas are close to Lower Beaver and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Lower Beaver?
Lower Beaver has a population of approximately 6,228. The median household income is $72,708. The median home value is $228,402. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Lower Beaver crime compare to the national average?
Lower Beaver's overall crime rate is 16% below the national average (index 84 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 56% 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.