Popular Heights 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 Popular Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Popular Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 118, which is 18% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Popular Heights is 10% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 138, 38% above average), while vehicle theft is the lowest risk (index: 85).
Popular 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
|
107 | +7% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
137 | +37% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
89 | -11% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
92 | -8% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
85 | -15% | Average | |
How Popular Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Popular Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Popular 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
Popular Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Popular Heights, Des Moines?
Popular Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 118, which is 18% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Popular Heights is 10% lower.
Is Popular Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Popular Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Rape (index: 138), while Vehicle Theft is the lowest risk (index: 85).
How does Popular Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Popular Heights's overall crime index is 118, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Popular Heights is 10% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 118, and for property crime it is 100. 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 Popular Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Popular Heights is Rape, with a crime index of 138 (38% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Popular Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Drake, Prospect Park, Beaverdale and Mondamin Presidential. These areas are close to Popular Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Popular Heights?
Popular Heights has a population of approximately 86. The median household income is $73,246. The median home value is $181,326. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Popular Heights crime compare to the national average?
Popular Heights's overall crime rate is 18% above the national average (index 118 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.