River Oaks 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 River Oaks Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. River Oaks in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 83, which is 17% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), River Oaks is 45% 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, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 190, 90% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 7). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
River Oaks 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
|
49 | -51% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
190 | +90% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
22 | -78% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
7 | -93% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
83 | -17% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
116 | +16% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
88 | -12% | Average | |
How River Oaks Compares
Crime index by category: River Oaks vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
River Oaks Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
River Oaks Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in River Oaks, Des Moines?
River Oaks in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 83, which is 17% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in River Oaks is 45% lower.
Is River Oaks a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
River Oaks is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Assault (index: 190), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 7).
How does River Oaks compare to the rest of Des Moines?
River Oaks's overall crime index is 83, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in River Oaks is 45% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 67, and for property crime it is 96. 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 Oaks?
The most prevalent crime type in River Oaks is Assault, with a crime index of 190 (90% 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 Oaks?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Linden Heights, Salisbury Oaks, Greenwood Historic and Westwood. These areas are close to River Oaks and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of River Oaks?
River Oaks has a population of approximately 133. The median household income is $102,118. The median home value is $493,969. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does River Oaks crime compare to the national average?
River Oaks's overall crime rate is 17% below the national average (index 83 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.