Nelson Place Neighborhood, Des Moines

Last updated: May 5, 2026

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Summary: Nelson Place, Des Moines Crime Rate (2026)

Nelson Place in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 111, which is 11% above the national average.

Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 5, 2026.

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 111 / 300 High
Violent Crime 98
2% below national avg
Property Crime 117
17% above national avg

Check a specific address

in Des Moines

Is Nelson Place Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Nelson Place in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 111, which is 11% above the national average of 100.

Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Nelson Place is 17% lower in overall crime.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 141, 41% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 78).

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 141 (41% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Robbery · Index 78 (22% below avg)

Nelson 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
102 +2% Moderate
Assault
105 +5% Moderate
Robbery
78 -22% Low
Rape
108 +8% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
101 +1% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
141 +41% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
109 +9% Moderate

How Nelson Place Compares

Crime index by category: Nelson Place vs Des Moines average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Nelson Place Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Nelson Place Demographics & Context

Population
25
Median Income
$77,151
Home Value
$205,694
Median Age
33
Pop. Density
7,337/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 18.9%
Graduate Degree 7.9%

Housing

65%
35%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 80%
Black 10.2%
Hispanic 7.1%
Asian 3.1%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Oak Park Index: 139
A
Highland Park Index: 111
A-
Prospect Park Index: 156
B-
Chautauqua Park Index: 169
C-
Union Park Index: 97
A-
Mondamin Presidential Index: 153
B-
Lower Beaver Index: 84
A
River Bend Index: 163
C
Nelson Place Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Des Moines Crime Statistics
View all Des Moines neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Nelson Place, Des Moines?

Nelson Place in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 111, which is 11% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Nelson Place is 17% lower.

Is Nelson Place a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

Nelson Place is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 141), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 78).

How does Nelson Place compare to the rest of Des Moines?

Nelson Place's overall crime index is 111, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Nelson Place is 17% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 98, and for property crime it is 117. 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 Nelson Place?

The most prevalent crime type in Nelson Place is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 141 (41% 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 Nelson Place?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Oak Park, Highland Park, Prospect Park and Union Park. These areas are close to Nelson Place and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Nelson Place?

Nelson Place has a population of approximately 25. The median household income is $77,151. The median home value is $205,694. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Nelson Place crime compare to the national average?

Nelson Place's overall crime rate is 11% above the national average (index 111 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 May 2026.