Somerset Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safer than 31% of neighborhoods in Des Moines
Safety at a Glance
Is Somerset Safe?
Somerset in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 166, which is 66% above the national average of 100. Somerset is safer than 31% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Somerset is 38% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 192, 92% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 128).
Overall, Somerset 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.
Somerset 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
|
179 | +79% | High | |
|
Assault
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
192 | +92% | High | |
|
Rape
|
167 | +67% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
186 | +86% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
189 | +89% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
175 | +75% | High | |
How Somerset Compares
Crime index by category: Somerset vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Somerset Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Somerset Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Somerset, Des Moines?
Somerset in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 166, which is 66% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Somerset is 38% higher. Somerset is safer than 31% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Is Somerset a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Somerset is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 192), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 128).
How does Somerset compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Somerset's overall crime index is 166, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Somerset is 38% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 167, and for property crime it is 183. 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 Somerset?
The most prevalent crime type in Somerset is Robbery, with a crime index of 192 (92% 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 Somerset?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Fort Des Moines, South Park, Magnolia Park and Watrous South. These areas are close to Somerset and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Somerset?
Somerset has a population of approximately 207. The median household income is $43,955. The median home value is $245,911. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Somerset crime compare to the national average?
Somerset's overall crime rate is 66% above the national average (index 166 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 31% 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.