Rutherford Heights Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Good safety — crime rates are below the national average
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Rutherford Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. Rutherford Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Rutherford Heights is 13% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 189, 89% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 19). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Rutherford 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
|
87 | -13% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
189 | +89% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
19 | -81% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
29 | -71% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
156 | +56% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
124 | +24% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
104 | +4% | Moderate | |
How Rutherford Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Rutherford Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Rutherford 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
Rutherford Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Rutherford Heights, Des Moines?
Rutherford Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Rutherford Heights is 13% higher.
Is Rutherford Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Rutherford Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Assault (index: 189), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 19).
How does Rutherford Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Rutherford Heights's overall crime index is 141, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Rutherford Heights is 13% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 81, and for property crime it is 128. 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 Rutherford Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Rutherford Heights is Assault, with a crime index of 189 (89% 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 Rutherford Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Cheatom Park, Capitol Park, Mondamin Presidential and Union Park. These areas are close to Rutherford Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Rutherford Heights?
Rutherford Heights has a population of approximately 68. The median household income is $43,125. The median home value is $104,819. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Rutherford Heights crime compare to the national average?
Rutherford Heights's overall crime rate is 41% above the national average (index 141 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.