Polk Place Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Polk Place Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Polk Place in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 89, which is 11% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Polk Place is 39% 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, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 121, 21% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 50). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Polk 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
|
90 | -10% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
91 | -9% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
51 | -49% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
50 | -50% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
121 | +21% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
87 | -13% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
84 | -16% | Average | |
How Polk Place Compares
Crime index by category: Polk Place vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Polk 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
Polk Place Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Polk Place, Des Moines?
Polk Place in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 89, which is 11% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Polk Place is 39% lower.
Is Polk Place a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Polk Place is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 121), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 50).
How does Polk Place compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Polk Place's overall crime index is 89, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Polk Place is 39% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 71, and for property crime it is 97. 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 Polk Place?
The most prevalent crime type in Polk Place is Burglary, with a crime index of 121 (21% 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 Polk Place?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Ingersoll Park, Waterbury, North of Grand and Westwood. These areas are close to Polk Place and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Polk Place?
Polk Place has a population of approximately 248. The median household income is $109,602. The median home value is $323,121. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Polk Place crime compare to the national average?
Polk Place's overall crime rate is 11% below the national average (index 89 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.