Merlin Place Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Merlin Place Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Merlin Place in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 194, which is 94% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Merlin Place is 66% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 193, 93% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 175).
Merlin 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
|
192 | +92% | High | |
|
Assault
|
180 | +80% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
193 | +93% | High | |
|
Rape
|
192 | +92% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
175 | +75% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
190 | +90% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
191 | +91% | High | |
How Merlin Place Compares
Crime index by category: Merlin Place vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Merlin 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
Merlin Place Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Merlin Place, Des Moines?
Merlin Place in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 194, which is 94% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Merlin Place is 66% higher.
Is Merlin Place a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Merlin Place is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 193), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 175).
How does Merlin Place compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Merlin Place's overall crime index is 194, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Merlin Place is 66% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 189, and for property crime it is 185. 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 Merlin Place?
The most prevalent crime type in Merlin Place is Robbery, with a crime index of 193 (93% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Merlin Place?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Magnolia Park, South Park, Pioneer Park and Indianola Hills. These areas are close to Merlin Place and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Merlin Place?
Merlin Place has a population of approximately 42. The median household income is $22,865. The median home value is $114,474. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Merlin Place crime compare to the national average?
Merlin Place's overall crime rate is 94% above the national average (index 194 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.