Thornton Heights Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Thornton Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Thornton Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 32, which is 68% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Thornton Heights is 96% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Des Moines as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 102, 2% above average), while murder is the lowest risk (index: 19).
Thornton 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
|
19 | -81% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
73 | -27% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
74 | -26% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
102 | +2% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
55 | -45% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
100 | 0% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
62 | -38% | Low | |
How Thornton Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Thornton Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Thornton Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Thornton Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Thornton Heights, Des Moines?
Thornton Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 32, which is 68% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Thornton Heights is 96% lower.
Is Thornton Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Thornton Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Rape (index: 102), while Murder is the lowest risk (index: 19).
How does Thornton Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Thornton Heights's overall crime index is 32, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Thornton Heights is 96% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 67, and for property crime it is 72. 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 Thornton Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Thornton Heights is Rape, with a crime index of 102 (2% 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 Thornton Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Watrous Heights, Magnolia Park, Indianola Hills and Watrous South. These areas are close to Thornton Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Thornton Heights?
Thornton Heights has a population of approximately 92. The median household income is $60,194. The median home value is $184,290. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Thornton Heights crime compare to the national average?
Thornton Heights's overall crime rate is 68% below the national average (index 32 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.