Morning Side 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 Morning Side Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Morning Side in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 181, which is 81% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Morning Side is 53% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 183, 83% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 100).
Morning Side 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
|
183 | +83% | High | |
|
Assault
|
100 | 0% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
174 | +74% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
102 | +2% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
How Morning Side Compares
Crime index by category: Morning Side vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Morning Side Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Morning Side Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Morning Side, Des Moines?
Morning Side in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 181, which is 81% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Morning Side is 53% higher.
Is Morning Side a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Morning Side is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Murder (index: 183), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 100).
How does Morning Side compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Morning Side's overall crime index is 181, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Morning Side is 53% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 145, and for property crime it is 127. 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 Morning Side?
The most prevalent crime type in Morning Side is Murder, with a crime index of 183 (83% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Morning Side?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Magnolia Park, South Park, Watrous Heights and Indianola Hills. These areas are close to Morning Side and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Morning Side?
Morning Side has a population of approximately 343. The median household income is $58,204. The median home value is $180,891. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Morning Side crime compare to the national average?
Morning Side's overall crime rate is 81% above the national average (index 181 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.