McKinley Heights Neighborhood, Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Average
Low 95 / 300 High
Violent Crime 103
3% above national avg
Property Crime 129
29% above national avg

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in Des Moines

Is McKinley Heights Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. McKinley Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 95, which is 5% below the national average of 100.

Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), McKinley Heights is 33% 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: 156, 56% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 74). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk
Burglary · Index 156 (56% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Assault · Index 74 (26% below avg)

McKinley 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
98 -2% Average
Assault
74 -26% Low
Robbery
138 +38% Moderate
Rape
100 0% Average
Property Crime
Burglary
156 +56% High
Larceny / Theft
115 +15% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
117 +17% Moderate

How McKinley Heights Compares

Crime index by category: McKinley Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

McKinley Heights Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

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McKinley Heights Demographics & Context

Population
366
Median Income
$68,615
Home Value
$141,785
Median Age
37
Pop. Density
4,807/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 8.6%
Graduate Degree 3.5%

Housing

73%
27%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 81%
Black 6.9%
Hispanic 11.4%
Asian 3.9%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Magnolia Park Index: 97
A
Watrous Heights Index: 78
A
Fort Des Moines Index: 119
A-
South Park Index: 171
B+
Watrous South Index: 124
A
Somerset Index: 166
B+
Indianola Hills Index: 154
A
Gray's Lake Index: 125
A
McKinley Heights Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Des Moines Crime Statistics
View all Des Moines neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in McKinley Heights, Des Moines?

McKinley Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 95, which is 5% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in McKinley Heights is 33% lower.

Is McKinley Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

McKinley Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 156), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 74).

How does McKinley Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?

McKinley Heights's overall crime index is 95, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in McKinley Heights is 33% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 103, and for property crime it is 129. 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 McKinley Heights?

The most prevalent crime type in McKinley Heights is Burglary, with a crime index of 156 (56% 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 McKinley Heights?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Magnolia Park, Watrous Heights, Fort Des Moines and South Park. These areas are close to McKinley Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of McKinley Heights?

McKinley Heights has a population of approximately 366. The median household income is $68,615. The median home value is $141,785. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does McKinley Heights crime compare to the national average?

McKinley Heights's overall crime rate is 5% below the national average (index 95 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.