Southern Knolls Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Southern Knolls Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Southern Knolls in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 194, which is 94% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Southern Knolls is 66% 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: 193, 93% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 175).
Southern Knolls 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
|
192 | +92% | High | |
|
Assault
|
180 | +80% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
193 | +93% | High | |
|
Rape
|
192 | +92% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
175 | +75% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
190 | +90% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
191 | +91% | High | |
How Southern Knolls Compares
Crime index by category: Southern Knolls vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Southern Knolls 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 Knolls Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Southern Knolls, Des Moines?
Southern Knolls in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 194, which is 94% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Southern Knolls is 66% higher.
Is Southern Knolls a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Southern Knolls is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 193), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 175).
How does Southern Knolls compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Southern Knolls's overall crime index is 194, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Southern Knolls is 66% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 189, and for property crime it is 185. 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 Knolls?
The most prevalent crime type in Southern Knolls is Robbery, with a crime index of 193 (93% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Southern Knolls?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include South Park, Magnolia Park, Pioneer Park and Watrous Heights. These areas are close to Southern Knolls and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Southern Knolls?
Southern Knolls has a population of approximately 379. The median household income is $22,865. The median home value is $177,545. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Southern Knolls crime compare to the national average?
Southern Knolls's overall crime rate is 94% above the national average (index 194 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.