Oak Park Neighborhood, Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 52% of neighborhoods in Des Moines

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate

Low 139 / 300 High

Violent Crime 106

6% above national avg

Property Crime 128

28% above national avg

City Ranking

52%

safer than other

Des Moines neighborhoods

Is Oak Park Safe?

Oak Park in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 139, which is 39% above the national average of 100. Oak Park is safer than 52% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Oak Park is 11% higher in overall crime.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 143, 43% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 75). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Overall, Oak Park is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.

Highest Risk

Larceny / Theft · Index 143 (43% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Robbery · Index 75 (25% below avg)

Oak Park Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Des Moines city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Des Moines	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	131	+31%	+6%	Moderate
Assault	120	+20%	+3%	Moderate
Robbery	75	-25%	-39%	Low
Rape	99	-1%	N/A	Average
Property Crime
Burglary	120	+20%	-4%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	143	+43%	+4%	Moderate
Vehicle Theft	121	+21%	-8%	Moderate

How Oak Park Compares

Crime index by category: Oak Park vs Des Moines average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Oak Park 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

Oak Park Demographics & Context

Population

4,340

Median Income

$63,308

Home Value

$146,060

Median Age

Pop. Density

3,423/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 10.4%

Graduate Degree 4.4%

Housing

69%

31%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 77.8%

Black 10.6%

Hispanic 9.7%

Asian 2.8%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Prospect Park Index: 156

B-

Chautauqua Park Index: 169

C-

Mondamin Presidential Index: 153

B-

Highland Park Index: 111

A-

King Irving Index: 156

C+

River Bend Index: 163

Union Park Index: 97

A-

Lower Beaver Index: 84

Oak Park 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 Oak Park, Des Moines?

Oak Park in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 139, which is 39% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Oak Park is 11% higher. Oak Park is safer than 52% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Is Oak Park a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

Oak Park is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 143), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 75).

How does Oak Park compare to the rest of Des Moines?

Oak Park's overall crime index is 139, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Oak Park is 11% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 106, and for property crime it is 128. 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 Oak Park?

The most prevalent crime type in Oak Park is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 143 (43% 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 Oak Park?

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

What are the demographics of Oak Park?

Oak Park has a population of approximately 4,340. The median household income is $63,308. The median home value is $146,060. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Oak Park crime compare to the national average?

Oak Park's overall crime rate is 39% above the national average (index 139 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 52% of neighborhoods. 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 March 2026.