Sherman Hill Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safer than 21% of neighborhoods in Des Moines
Safety at a Glance
Is Sherman Hill Safe?
Sherman Hill in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 193, which is 93% above the national average of 100. Sherman Hill is safer than 21% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Sherman Hill is 65% 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: 196, 96% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 142).
Overall, Sherman Hill 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.
Sherman Hill 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
|
196 | +96% | High | |
|
Assault
|
183 | +83% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
195 | +95% | High | |
|
Rape
|
142 | +42% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
180 | +80% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
195 | +95% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
194 | +94% | High | |
How Sherman Hill Compares
Crime index by category: Sherman Hill vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Sherman Hill Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Sherman Hill Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Sherman Hill, Des Moines?
Sherman Hill in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 193, which is 93% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Sherman Hill is 65% higher. Sherman Hill is safer than 21% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Is Sherman Hill a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Sherman Hill is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Murder (index: 196), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 142).
How does Sherman Hill compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Sherman Hill's overall crime index is 193, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Sherman Hill is 65% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 179, and for property crime it is 190. 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 Sherman Hill?
The most prevalent crime type in Sherman Hill is Murder, with a crime index of 196 (96% 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 Sherman Hill?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Woodland Heights, Cheatom Park, Downtown Des Moines and North of Grand. These areas are close to Sherman Hill and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Sherman Hill?
Sherman Hill has a population of approximately 2,208. The median household income is $47,695. The median home value is $297,611. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Sherman Hill crime compare to the national average?
Sherman Hill's overall crime rate is 93% above the national average (index 193 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 21% 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.