South Crest 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 South Crest Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. South Crest in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 181, which is 81% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), South Crest is 53% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 183, 83% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 125).
South Crest 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
|
181 | +81% | High | |
|
Assault
|
177 | +77% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
168 | +68% | High | |
|
Rape
|
183 | +83% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
125 | +25% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
181 | +81% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
180 | +80% | High | |
How South Crest Compares
Crime index by category: South Crest vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
South Crest Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
South Crest Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Crest, Des Moines?
South Crest in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 181, which is 81% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in South Crest is 53% higher.
Is South Crest a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
South Crest is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Rape (index: 183), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 125).
How does South Crest compare to the rest of Des Moines?
South Crest's overall crime index is 181, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in South Crest is 53% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 177, and for property crime it is 162. 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 South Crest?
The most prevalent crime type in South Crest is Rape, with a crime index of 183 (83% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near South Crest?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Somerset, Fort Des Moines, South Park and Magnolia Park. These areas are close to South Crest and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of South Crest?
South Crest has a population of approximately 115. The median household income is $44,103. The median home value is $179,301. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does South Crest crime compare to the national average?
South Crest's overall crime rate is 81% above the national average (index 181 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.