Merle Hay Acres Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Merle Hay Acres Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Merle Hay Acres in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 53, which is 47% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Merle Hay Acres is 75% 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: 90, 10% below average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 40).
Merle Hay Acres 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
|
54 | -46% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
83 | -17% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
40 | -60% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
55 | -45% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
58 | -42% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
90 | -10% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
77 | -23% | Low | |
How Merle Hay Acres Compares
Crime index by category: Merle Hay Acres vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Merle Hay Acres Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
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Merle Hay Acres Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Merle Hay Acres, Des Moines?
Merle Hay Acres in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 53, which is 47% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Merle Hay Acres is 75% lower.
Is Merle Hay Acres a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Merle Hay Acres is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 90), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 40).
How does Merle Hay Acres compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Merle Hay Acres's overall crime index is 53, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Merle Hay Acres is 75% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 58, and for property crime it is 75. 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 Acres?
The most prevalent crime type in Merle Hay Acres is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 90 (10% below 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 Acres?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Merle Hay, Beaverdale, Waveland Park and Waveland Woods. These areas are close to Merle Hay Acres and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Merle Hay Acres?
Merle Hay Acres has a population of approximately 20. The median household income is $84,016. The median home value is $157,874. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Merle Hay Acres crime compare to the national average?
Merle Hay Acres's overall crime rate is 47% below the national average (index 53 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.