Payton Heights Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Payton Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Payton Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 73, which is 27% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Payton Heights is 55% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Des Moines as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 120, 20% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 49). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Payton 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
|
84 | -16% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
49 | -51% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
56 | -44% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
82 | -18% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
70 | -30% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
79 | -21% | Low | |
How Payton Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Payton Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Payton 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
Payton Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Payton Heights, Des Moines?
Payton Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 73, which is 27% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Payton Heights is 55% lower.
Is Payton Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Payton Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 120), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 49).
How does Payton Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Payton Heights's overall crime index is 73, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Payton Heights is 55% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 68, and for property crime it is 90. 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 Payton Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Payton Heights is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 120 (20% 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 Payton Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Fort Des Moines, Somerset, South Park and Magnolia Park. These areas are close to Payton Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Payton Heights?
Payton Heights has a population of approximately 49. The median household income is $71,687. The median home value is $133,312. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Payton Heights crime compare to the national average?
Payton Heights's overall crime rate is 27% below the national average (index 73 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.