Prospect Park Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safer than 23% of neighborhoods in Des Moines
Safety at a Glance
Is Prospect Park Safe?
Prospect Park in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 156, which is 56% above the national average of 100. Prospect Park is safer than 23% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Prospect Park is 28% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 148, 48% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 110).
Overall, Prospect 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.
Prospect 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
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
131 | +31% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
126 | +26% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
110 | +10% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
146 | +46% | Moderate | |
How Prospect Park Compares
Crime index by category: Prospect Park vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Prospect Park Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Prospect Park Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Prospect Park, Des Moines?
Prospect Park in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 156, which is 56% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Prospect Park is 28% higher. Prospect Park is safer than 23% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Is Prospect Park a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Prospect Park is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Murder (index: 148), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 110).
How does Prospect Park compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Prospect Park's overall crime index is 156, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Prospect Park is 28% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 136, and for property crime it is 134. 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 Prospect Park?
The most prevalent crime type in Prospect Park is Murder, with a crime index of 148 (48% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Prospect Park?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Oak Park, Mondamin Presidential, Beaverdale and Lower Beaver. These areas are close to Prospect Park and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Prospect Park?
Prospect Park has a population of approximately 3,567. The median household income is $42,965. The median home value is $159,185. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Prospect Park crime compare to the national average?
Prospect Park's overall crime rate is 56% above the national average (index 156 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 23% 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.