Prairie Hills Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Des Moines
Is Prairie Hills Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Prairie Hills in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 92, which is 8% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Prairie Hills is 36% 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: 175, 75% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 39). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Prairie Hills 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
|
83 | -17% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
39 | -61% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
74 | -26% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
70 | -30% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
175 | +75% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
105 | +5% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
How Prairie Hills Compares
Crime index by category: Prairie Hills vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Prairie Hills Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Prairie Hills Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Prairie Hills, Des Moines?
Prairie Hills in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 92, which is 8% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Prairie Hills is 36% lower.
Is Prairie Hills a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Prairie Hills is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 175), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 39).
How does Prairie Hills compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Prairie Hills's overall crime index is 92, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Prairie Hills is 36% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 67, and for property crime it is 119. 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 Prairie Hills?
The most prevalent crime type in Prairie Hills is Burglary, with a crime index of 175 (75% 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 Prairie Hills?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Easter Lake Area, River Woods, South Park and Pioneer Park. These areas are close to Prairie Hills and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Prairie Hills?
Prairie Hills has a population of approximately 34. The median household income is $92,588. The median home value is $284,294. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Prairie Hills crime compare to the national average?
Prairie Hills's overall crime rate is 8% below the national average (index 92 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.