Southern Heights Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Des Moines
Is Southern Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Southern Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 154, which is 54% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Southern Heights is 26% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 182, 82% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 71). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Southern 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
|
140 | +40% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
71 | -29% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
182 | +82% | High | |
|
Rape
|
143 | +43% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
152 | +52% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
177 | +77% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
146 | +46% | Moderate | |
How Southern Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Southern Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Southern 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
Southern Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Southern Heights, Des Moines?
Southern Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 154, which is 54% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Southern Heights is 26% higher.
Is Southern Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Southern Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 182), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 71).
How does Southern Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Southern Heights's overall crime index is 154, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Southern Heights is 26% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 134, and for property crime it is 158. 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 Southern Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Southern Heights is Robbery, with a crime index of 182 (82% 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 Southern Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Indianola Hills, Pioneer Park, McKinley School / Columbus Park and Magnolia Park. These areas are close to Southern Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Southern Heights?
Southern Heights has a population of approximately 89. The median household income is $34,103. The median home value is $131,595. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Southern Heights crime compare to the national average?
Southern Heights's overall crime rate is 54% above the national average (index 154 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.