Park Forest Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Park Forest Safe?
Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. Park Forest 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), Park Forest is 62% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 194, 94% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 136).
Park Forest 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
|
193 | +93% | High | |
|
Assault
|
186 | +86% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
186 | +86% | High | |
|
Rape
|
194 | +94% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
136 | +36% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
184 | +84% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
193 | +93% | High | |
How Park Forest Compares
Crime index by category: Park Forest vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Park Forest Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Park Forest Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Park Forest, Des Moines?
Park Forest 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 Park Forest is 62% higher.
Is Park Forest a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Park Forest has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Rape (index: 194), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 136).
How does Park Forest compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Park Forest's overall crime index is 190, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Park Forest is 62% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 190, and for property crime it is 171. 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 Park Forest?
The most prevalent crime type in Park Forest is Rape, with a crime index of 194 (94% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Park Forest?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Pioneer Park, River Woods, Indianola Hills and South Park. These areas are close to Park Forest and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Park Forest?
Park Forest has a population of approximately 349. The median household income is $53,665. The median home value is $170,853. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Park Forest crime compare to the national average?
Park Forest'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.