Southland Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Des Moines
Is Southland Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Southland in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 98, which is 2% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Southland is 30% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 171, 71% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 33). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Southland 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
|
96 | -4% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
33 | -67% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
76 | -24% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
166 | +66% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
171 | +71% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
How Southland Compares
Crime index by category: Southland vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Southland Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Southland Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Southland, Des Moines?
Southland in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 98, which is 2% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Southland is 30% lower.
Is Southland a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Southland is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 171), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 33).
How does Southland compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Southland's overall crime index is 98, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Southland is 30% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 83, and for property crime it is 155. 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 Southland?
The most prevalent crime type in Southland is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 171 (71% 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 Southland?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Magnolia Park, Fort Des Moines, South Park and Watrous Heights. These areas are close to Southland and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Southland?
Southland has a population of approximately 82. The median household income is $47,805. The median home value is $193,745. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Southland crime compare to the national average?
Southland's overall crime rate is 2% below the national average (index 98 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.