Ruston 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 Ruston Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Ruston Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 189, which is 89% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Ruston Heights is 61% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 180, 80% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 136).
Ruston 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
|
180 | +80% | High | |
|
Assault
|
173 | +73% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
162 | +62% | High | |
|
Rape
|
136 | +36% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
146 | +46% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
169 | +69% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
165 | +65% | High | |
How Ruston Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Ruston Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Ruston 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
Ruston Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Ruston Heights, Des Moines?
Ruston Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 189, which is 89% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Ruston Heights is 61% higher.
Is Ruston Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Ruston Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Murder (index: 180), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 136).
How does Ruston Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Ruston Heights's overall crime index is 189, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Ruston Heights is 61% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 163, and for property crime it is 160. 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 Ruston Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Ruston Heights is Murder, with a crime index of 180 (80% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Ruston Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include McKinley School / Columbus Park, Indianola Hills, Gray's Lake and Downtown Des Moines. These areas are close to Ruston Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Ruston Heights?
Ruston Heights has a population of approximately 8. The median household income is $35,221. The median home value is $204,738. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Ruston Heights crime compare to the national average?
Ruston Heights's overall crime rate is 89% above the national average (index 189 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.