Union Lawns 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 Union Lawns Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Union Lawns in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 95, which is 5% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Union Lawns is 33% 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, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 184, 84% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 97). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Union Lawns 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
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
184 | +84% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
114 | +14% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
173 | +73% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
97 | -3% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
112 | +12% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
125 | +25% | Moderate | |
How Union Lawns Compares
Crime index by category: Union Lawns vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Union Lawns 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 Lawns Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Union Lawns, Des Moines?
Union Lawns in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 95, which is 5% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Union Lawns is 33% lower.
Is Union Lawns a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Union Lawns is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 184), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 97).
How does Union Lawns compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Union Lawns's overall crime index is 95, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Union Lawns is 33% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 143, and for property crime it is 111. 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 Lawns?
The most prevalent crime type in Union Lawns is Assault, with a crime index of 184 (84% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Union Lawns?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Union Park, Capitol Park, Capitol East and Fairmont Park. These areas are close to Union Lawns and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Union Lawns?
Union Lawns has a population of approximately 280. The median household income is $51,593. The median home value is $145,909. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Union Lawns crime compare to the national average?
Union Lawns's overall crime rate is 5% below the national average (index 95 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.