Merrill Place Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Merrill Place Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Merrill Place in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 183, which is 83% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Merrill Place is 55% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 193, 93% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 70).
Merrill 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
|
174 | +74% | High | |
|
Assault
|
193 | +93% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
183 | +83% | High | |
|
Rape
|
70 | -30% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
157 | +57% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
186 | +86% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
164 | +64% | High | |
How Merrill Place Compares
Crime index by category: Merrill Place vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Merrill 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
Merrill Place Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Merrill Place, Des Moines?
Merrill Place in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 183, which is 83% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Merrill Place is 55% higher.
Is Merrill Place a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Merrill Place is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Assault (index: 193), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 70).
How does Merrill Place compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Merrill Place's overall crime index is 183, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Merrill Place is 55% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 155, and for property crime it is 169. 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 Merrill Place?
The most prevalent crime type in Merrill Place is Assault, with a crime index of 193 (93% 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 Merrill Place?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include North of Grand, Woodland Heights, Drake and Ingersoll Park. These areas are close to Merrill Place and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Merrill Place?
Merrill Place has a population of approximately 58. The median household income is $42,321. The median home value is $165,008. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Merrill Place crime compare to the national average?
Merrill Place's overall crime rate is 83% above the national average (index 183 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.