Thomas Heights Neighborhood, Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Average
Low 98 / 300 High
Violent Crime 83
17% below national avg
Property Crime 155
55% above national avg

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in Des Moines

Is Thomas Heights Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Thomas Heights 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), Thomas Heights 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.

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 171 (71% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Assault · Index 33 (67% below avg)

Thomas 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
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 Thomas Heights Compares

Crime index by category: Thomas Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Thomas Heights Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Thomas Heights Demographics & Context

Population
510
Median Income
$47,827
Home Value
$181,539
Median Age
29
Pop. Density
5,022/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 15.5%
Graduate Degree 6%

Housing

48%
52%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 61%
Black 18.7%
Hispanic 28.6%
Asian 1.3%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Thomas Heights, Des Moines?

Thomas Heights 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 Thomas Heights is 30% lower.

Is Thomas Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

Thomas Heights 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 Thomas Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?

Thomas Heights's overall crime index is 98, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Thomas Heights 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 Thomas Heights?

The most prevalent crime type in Thomas Heights 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 Thomas Heights?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Magnolia Park, Fort Des Moines, South Park and Watrous Heights. These areas are close to Thomas Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Thomas Heights?

Thomas Heights has a population of approximately 510. The median household income is $47,827. The median home value is $181,539. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Thomas Heights crime compare to the national average?

Thomas Heights'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.