McKinley School / Columbus Park Neighborhood, Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 58% of neighborhoods in Des Moines

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 116 / 300 High
Violent Crime 83
17% below national avg
Property Crime 144
44% above national avg
City Ranking
58%
safer than other
Des Moines neighborhoods

Is McKinley School / Columbus Park Safe?

McKinley School / Columbus Park in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 116, which is 16% above the national average of 100. McKinley School / Columbus Park is safer than 58% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), McKinley School / Columbus Park is 12% lower in overall crime.

Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 183, 83% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 55). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Overall, McKinley School / Columbus Park 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.

Highest Risk
Burglary · Index 183 (83% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Robbery · Index 55 (45% below avg)

McKinley School / Columbus 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
71 -29% Low
Assault
125 +25% Moderate
Robbery
55 -45% Low
Rape
81 -19% Average
Property Crime
Burglary
183 +83% High
Larceny / Theft
148 +48% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
102 +2% Moderate

How McKinley School / Columbus Park Compares

Crime index by category: McKinley School / Columbus Park vs Des Moines average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

McKinley School / Columbus Park 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

McKinley School / Columbus Park Demographics & Context

Population
1,950
Median Income
$44,449
Home Value
$137,513
Median Age
36
Pop. Density
3,165/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 4.5%
Graduate Degree 0.1%

Housing

59%
41%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 75.4%
Black 6.9%
Hispanic 23.5%
Asian 3.8%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Indianola Hills Index: 154
A
Historic East Village Index: 191
C-
Downtown Des Moines Index: 198
B
Gray's Lake Index: 125
A
Pioneer Park Index: 175
B-
Capitol East Index: 163
A-
Capitol Park Index: 176
B-
Cheatom Park Index: 153
B-
McKinley School / Columbus Park 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 School / Columbus Park, Des Moines?

McKinley School / Columbus Park in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 116, which is 16% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in McKinley School / Columbus Park is 12% lower. McKinley School / Columbus Park is safer than 58% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Is McKinley School / Columbus Park a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

McKinley School / Columbus Park is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 183), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 55).

How does McKinley School / Columbus Park compare to the rest of Des Moines?

McKinley School / Columbus Park's overall crime index is 116, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in McKinley School / Columbus Park is 12% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 83, and for property crime it is 144. 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 School / Columbus Park?

The most prevalent crime type in McKinley School / Columbus Park is Burglary, with a crime index of 183 (83% 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 School / Columbus Park?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Indianola Hills, Downtown Des Moines, Gray's Lake and Pioneer Park. These areas are close to McKinley School / Columbus Park and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of McKinley School / Columbus Park?

McKinley School / Columbus Park has a population of approximately 1,950. The median household income is $44,449. The median home value is $137,513. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does McKinley School / Columbus Park crime compare to the national average?

McKinley School / Columbus Park's overall crime rate is 16% above the national average (index 116 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 58% 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.