Pioneer Park Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safer than 15% of neighborhoods in Des Moines
Safety at a Glance
Is Pioneer Park Safe?
Pioneer Park in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 175, which is 75% above the national average of 100. Pioneer Park is safer than 15% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Pioneer Park is 47% 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: 184, 84% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 158).
Overall, Pioneer Park is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.
Pioneer Park 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
|
179 | +79% | High | |
|
Assault
|
166 | +66% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
172 | +72% | High | |
|
Rape
|
184 | +84% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
158 | +58% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
171 | +71% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
184 | +84% | High | |
How Pioneer Park Compares
Crime index by category: Pioneer Park vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Pioneer Park Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Pioneer Park Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Pioneer Park, Des Moines?
Pioneer Park in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 175, which is 75% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Pioneer Park is 47% higher. Pioneer Park is safer than 15% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Is Pioneer Park a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Pioneer Park is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Rape (index: 184), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 158).
How does Pioneer Park compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Pioneer Park's overall crime index is 175, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Pioneer Park is 47% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 175, 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 Pioneer Park?
The most prevalent crime type in Pioneer Park is Rape, with a crime index of 184 (84% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Pioneer Park?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include River Woods, Indianola Hills, McKinley School / Columbus Park and South Park. These areas are close to Pioneer Park and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Pioneer Park?
Pioneer Park has a population of approximately 5,167. The median household income is $53,841. The median home value is $177,728. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Pioneer Park crime compare to the national average?
Pioneer Park's overall crime rate is 75% above the national average (index 175 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 15% of neighborhoods. 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 March 2026.