Palmer Place Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Palmer Place Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Palmer Place in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 189, which is 89% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Palmer Place is 61% 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: 180, 80% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 136).
Palmer 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
|
180 | +80% | High | |
|
Assault
|
173 | +73% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
162 | +62% | High | |
|
Rape
|
136 | +36% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
146 | +46% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
169 | +69% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
165 | +65% | High | |
How Palmer Place Compares
Crime index by category: Palmer Place vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Palmer Place Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Palmer Place Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Palmer Place, Des Moines?
Palmer Place in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 189, which is 89% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Palmer Place is 61% higher.
Is Palmer Place a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Palmer Place is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Murder (index: 180), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 136).
How does Palmer Place compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Palmer Place's overall crime index is 189, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Palmer Place is 61% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 163, and for property crime it is 160. 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 Palmer Place?
The most prevalent crime type in Palmer Place is Murder, with a crime index of 180 (80% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Palmer Place?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include McKinley School / Columbus Park, Indianola Hills, Gray's Lake and Downtown Des Moines. These areas are close to Palmer Place and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Palmer Place?
Palmer Place has a population of approximately 19. The median household income is $35,221. The median home value is $139,425. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Palmer Place crime compare to the national average?
Palmer Place's overall crime rate is 89% above the national average (index 189 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.