Merle Hay Neighborhood, Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 69% of neighborhoods in Des Moines

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Average
Low 97 / 300 High
Violent Crime 93
7% below national avg
Property Crime 107
7% above national avg
City Ranking
69%
safer than other
Des Moines neighborhoods

Is Merle Hay Safe?

Merle Hay in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 97, which is 3% below the national average of 100. Merle Hay is safer than 69% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Merle Hay is 31% 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: 117, 17% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 83).

Overall, Merle Hay 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
Larceny / Theft · Index 117 (17% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Rape · Index 83 (17% below avg)

Merle Hay 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
99 -1% Average
Assault
104 +4% Moderate
Robbery
84 -16% Average
Rape
83 -17% Average
Property Crime
Burglary
103 +3% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
117 +17% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
102 +2% Moderate

How Merle Hay Compares

Crime index by category: Merle Hay vs Des Moines average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Merle Hay 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

Merle Hay Demographics & Context

Population
12,180
Median Income
$73,883
Home Value
$190,653
Median Age
36
Pop. Density
5,259/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 23.1%
Graduate Degree 7.8%

Housing

66%
34%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 83.6%
Black 7.3%
Hispanic 5.7%
Asian 3.1%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Beaverdale Index: 102
A
Waveland Park Index: 119
A
Lower Beaver Index: 84
A
Waveland Woods Index: 109
A
Drake Index: 137
B+
Prospect Park Index: 156
B-
Waterbury Index: 113
A+
Ingersoll Park Index: 47
A+
Merle Hay 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 Merle Hay, Des Moines?

Merle Hay in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 97, which is 3% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Merle Hay is 31% lower. Merle Hay is safer than 69% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Is Merle Hay a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

Merle Hay is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 117), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 83).

How does Merle Hay compare to the rest of Des Moines?

Merle Hay's overall crime index is 97, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Merle Hay is 31% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 93, and for property crime it is 107. 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 Merle Hay?

The most prevalent crime type in Merle Hay is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 117 (17% 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 Merle Hay?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Beaverdale, Waveland Park, Lower Beaver and Waveland Woods. These areas are close to Merle Hay and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Merle Hay?

Merle Hay has a population of approximately 12,180. The median household income is $73,883. The median home value is $190,653. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Merle Hay crime compare to the national average?

Merle Hay's overall crime rate is 3% below the national average (index 97 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 69% 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.