Martin Luther King Jr. Park Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average
Safer than 4% of neighborhoods in Des Moines
Safety at a Glance
Is Martin Luther King Jr. Park Safe?
Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 158, which is 58% above the national average of 100. Martin Luther King Jr. Park is safer than 4% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Martin Luther King Jr. Park is 30% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 177, 77% above average), while larceny / theft is the lowest risk (index: 121).
Martin Luther King Jr. Park has a moderate crime profile. While many residents feel comfortable here, it's worth being aware of your surroundings and reviewing the specific crime categories below to understand which risks are most relevant.
Martin Luther King Jr. Park 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
|
161 | +61% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
153 | +53% | High | |
|
Rape
|
171 | +71% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
177 | +77% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
121 | +21% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
How Martin Luther King Jr. Park Compares
Crime index by category: Martin Luther King Jr. Park vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Martin Luther King Jr. Park Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Martin Luther King Jr. Park Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Des Moines?
Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 158, which is 58% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Martin Luther King Jr. Park is 30% higher. Martin Luther King Jr. Park is safer than 4% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Is Martin Luther King Jr. Park a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Martin Luther King Jr. Park has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 177), while Larceny / Theft is the lowest risk (index: 121). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Des Moines.
How does Martin Luther King Jr. Park compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Martin Luther King Jr. Park's overall crime index is 158, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Martin Luther King Jr. Park is 30% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 158, and for property crime it is 149. 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 Martin Luther King Jr. Park?
The most prevalent crime type in Martin Luther King Jr. Park is Burglary, with a crime index of 177 (77% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Martin Luther King Jr. Park?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Capitol East, Capitol Park, Union Park and Fairground. These areas are close to Martin Luther King Jr. Park and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Martin Luther King Jr. Park?
Martin Luther King Jr. Park has a population of approximately 2,969. The median household income is $46,210. The median home value is $119,226. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Martin Luther King Jr. Park crime compare to the national average?
Martin Luther King Jr. Park's overall crime rate is 58% above the national average (index 158 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 4% 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.