River Bend Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Average crime levels — comparable to the national average
Safer than 8% of neighborhoods in Des Moines
Safety at a Glance
Is River Bend Safe?
River Bend in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of C. The overall crime index is 163, which is 63% above the national average of 100. River Bend is safer than 8% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), River Bend is 35% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 166, 66% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 106).
River Bend has a moderate crime profile. While many residents feel comfortable here, it's worth being aware of your surroundings and reviewing the specific crime categories below to understand which risks are most relevant.
River Bend 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
|
141 | +41% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
166 | +66% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
129 | +29% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
144 | +44% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
150 | +50% | Moderate | |
How River Bend Compares
Crime index by category: River Bend vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
River Bend Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
River Bend Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in River Bend, Des Moines?
River Bend in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime index is 163, which is 63% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in River Bend is 35% higher. River Bend is safer than 8% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Is River Bend a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
River Bend has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Assault (index: 166), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 106).
How does River Bend compare to the rest of Des Moines?
River Bend's overall crime index is 163, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in River Bend is 35% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 136, and for property crime it is 140. 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 River Bend?
The most prevalent crime type in River Bend is Assault, with a crime index of 166 (66% 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 River Bend?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Cheatom Park, Capitol Park, Union Park and Mondamin Presidential. These areas are close to River Bend and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of River Bend?
River Bend has a population of approximately 4,033. The median household income is $38,036. The median home value is $143,139. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does River Bend crime compare to the national average?
River Bend's overall crime rate is 63% above the national average (index 163 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 8% 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.