Union Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Union Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Union in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 83, which is 17% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Union is 45% 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, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 138, 38% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 52). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Union 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
|
84 | -16% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
52 | -48% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
98 | -2% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
90 | -10% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
81 | -19% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
How Union Compares
Crime index by category: Union vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Union Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Union Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Union, Des Moines?
Union in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 83, which is 17% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Union is 45% lower.
Is Union a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Union is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 138), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 52).
How does Union compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Union's overall crime index is 83, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Union is 45% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 81, and for property crime it is 106. 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 Union?
The most prevalent crime type in Union is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 138 (38% 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 Union?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Union Park, Capitol Park, Capitol East and Highland Park. These areas are close to Union and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Union?
Union has a population of approximately 285. The median household income is $81,021. The median home value is $161,212. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Union crime compare to the national average?
Union's overall crime rate is 17% below the national average (index 83 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.