Midtown Heights Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Good safety — crime rates are below the national average
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Midtown Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. Midtown Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 188, which is 88% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Midtown Heights is 60% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 189, 89% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 89).
Midtown Heights 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
|
178 | +78% | High | |
|
Assault
|
161 | +61% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
184 | +84% | High | |
|
Rape
|
89 | -11% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
156 | +56% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
189 | +89% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
163 | +63% | High | |
How Midtown Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Midtown Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Midtown Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Midtown Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Midtown Heights, Des Moines?
Midtown Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 188, which is 88% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Midtown Heights is 60% higher.
Is Midtown Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Midtown Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 189), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 89).
How does Midtown Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Midtown Heights's overall crime index is 188, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Midtown Heights is 60% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 153, 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 Midtown Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Midtown Heights is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 189 (89% 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 Midtown Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Sherman Hill, Woodland Heights, Downtown Des Moines and Greenwood Historic. These areas are close to Midtown Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Midtown Heights?
Midtown Heights has a population of approximately 13. The median household income is $30,345. The median home value is $246,947. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Midtown Heights crime compare to the national average?
Midtown Heights's overall crime rate is 88% above the national average (index 188 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.