Oakland Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Des Moines
Is Oakland Safe?
Not really — crime is above the national average. Oakland in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 190, which is 90% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Oakland is 62% 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: 186, 86% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 151).
Oakland 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
|
186 | +86% | High | |
|
Assault
|
184 | +84% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
179 | +79% | High | |
|
Rape
|
180 | +80% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
151 | +51% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
186 | +86% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
186 | +86% | High | |
How Oakland Compares
Crime index by category: Oakland vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Oakland Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Oakland Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Oakland, Des Moines?
Oakland in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 190, which is 90% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Oakland is 62% higher.
Is Oakland a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Oakland has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Murder (index: 186), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 151).
How does Oakland compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Oakland's overall crime index is 190, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Oakland is 62% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 182, and for property crime it is 174. 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 Oakland?
The most prevalent crime type in Oakland is Murder, with a crime index of 186 (86% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Oakland?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Cheatom Park, Mondamin Presidential, Union Park and Capitol Park. These areas are close to Oakland and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Oakland?
Oakland has a population of approximately 341. The median household income is $32,742. The median home value is $191,519. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Oakland crime compare to the national average?
Oakland's overall crime rate is 90% above the national average (index 190 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.