Sunnyside Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Sunnyside Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Sunnyside in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 148, which is 48% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Sunnyside is 20% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 154, 54% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 90).
Sunnyside 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
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
90 | -10% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
154 | +54% | High | |
How Sunnyside Compares
Crime index by category: Sunnyside vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Sunnyside Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Sunnyside Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Sunnyside, Des Moines?
Sunnyside in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 148, which is 48% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Sunnyside is 20% higher.
Is Sunnyside a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Sunnyside is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 154), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 90).
How does Sunnyside compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Sunnyside's overall crime index is 148, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Sunnyside is 20% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 137, and for property crime it is 127. 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 Sunnyside?
The most prevalent crime type in Sunnyside is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 154 (54% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Sunnyside?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Fairground, Capitol East, Fairmont Park and Accent. These areas are close to Sunnyside and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Sunnyside?
Sunnyside has a population of approximately 378. The median household income is $49,363. The median home value is $114,069. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Sunnyside crime compare to the national average?
Sunnyside's overall crime rate is 48% above the national average (index 148 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.