Melrose Place Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Melrose Place Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Melrose Place in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 172, which is 72% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Melrose Place is 44% 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: 183, 83% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 110).
Melrose 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
|
169 | +69% | High | |
|
Assault
|
181 | +81% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
110 | +10% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
183 | +83% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
179 | +79% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
178 | +78% | High | |
How Melrose Place Compares
Crime index by category: Melrose Place vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Melrose 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
Melrose Place Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Melrose Place, Des Moines?
Melrose Place in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 172, which is 72% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Melrose Place is 44% higher.
Is Melrose Place a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Melrose Place is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Rape (index: 183), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 110).
How does Melrose Place compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Melrose Place's overall crime index is 172, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Melrose Place is 44% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 161, and for property crime it is 160. 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 Melrose Place?
The most prevalent crime type in Melrose Place is Rape, with a crime index of 183 (83% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Melrose Place?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Watrous South, Fort Des Moines, Somerset and Watrous Heights. These areas are close to Melrose Place and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Melrose Place?
Melrose Place has a population of approximately 8. The median household income is $49,459. The median home value is $125,671. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Melrose Place crime compare to the national average?
Melrose Place's overall crime rate is 72% above the national average (index 172 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.