Southern Hills Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Des Moines
Is Southern Hills Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Southern Hills in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 116, which is 16% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Southern Hills is 12% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 179, 79% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 106). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Southern Hills 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
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
179 | +79% | High | |
|
Rape
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
166 | +66% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
172 | +72% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
163 | +63% | High | |
How Southern Hills Compares
Crime index by category: Southern Hills vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Southern Hills 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 Hills Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Southern Hills, Des Moines?
Southern Hills in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 116, which is 16% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Southern Hills is 12% lower.
Is Southern Hills a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Southern Hills is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 179), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 106).
How does Southern Hills compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Southern Hills's overall crime index is 116, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Southern Hills is 12% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 140, and for property crime it is 167. 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 Hills?
The most prevalent crime type in Southern Hills is Robbery, with a crime index of 179 (79% 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 Hills?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Southwestern Hills, Linden Heights, Salisbury Oaks and Greenwood Historic. These areas are close to Southern Hills and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Southern Hills?
Southern Hills has a population of approximately 69. The median household income is $61,564. The median home value is $692,760. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Southern Hills crime compare to the national average?
Southern Hills's overall crime rate is 16% above the national average (index 116 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.