Oakland Heights Neighborhood, Des Moines
Last updated: May 5, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Good safety — crime rates are below the national average
Summary: Oakland Heights, Des Moines Crime Rate (2026)
Oakland Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 178, which is 78% above the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 5, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Des Moines
Is Oakland Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. Oakland Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 178, which is 78% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Oakland Heights is 50% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 177, 77% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 78).
Oakland 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
|
167 | +67% | High | |
|
Assault
|
177 | +77% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
176 | +76% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
117 | +17% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
146 | +46% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
168 | +68% | High | |
How Oakland Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Oakland Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Oakland 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
Oakland Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Oakland Heights, Des Moines?
Oakland Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 178, which is 78% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Oakland Heights is 50% higher.
Is Oakland Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Oakland Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Assault (index: 177), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 78).
How does Oakland Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Oakland Heights's overall crime index is 178, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Oakland Heights is 50% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 150, and for property crime it is 144. 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 Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Oakland Heights is Assault, with a crime index of 177 (77% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Oakland Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Oak Park, Prospect Park, Mondamin Presidential and Highland Park. These areas are close to Oakland Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Oakland Heights?
Oakland Heights has a population of approximately 25. The median household income is $70,082. The median home value is $169,735. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Oakland Heights crime compare to the national average?
Oakland Heights's overall crime rate is 78% above the national average (index 178 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.