Union Park Neighborhood, Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

A-

Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories

Safer than 40% of neighborhoods in Des Moines

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Average

Low 97 / 300 High

Violent Crime 115

15% above national avg

Property Crime 120

20% above national avg

City Ranking

40%

safer than other

Des Moines neighborhoods

Is Union Park Safe?

Union Park in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 97, which is 3% below the national average of 100. Union Park is safer than 40% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Union Park is 31% 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: 134, 34% above average), while murder is the lowest risk (index: 97).

Overall, Union Park is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.

Highest Risk

Rape · Index 134 (34% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Murder · Index 97 (3% below avg)

Union Park Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Des Moines city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Des Moines	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	97	-3%	-28%	Average
Assault	128	+28%	+11%	Moderate
Robbery	99	-1%	-15%	Average
Rape	134	+34%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	119	+19%	-5%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	127	+27%	-12%	Moderate
Vehicle Theft	115	+15%	-14%	Moderate

How Union Park Compares

Crime index by category: Union Park vs Des Moines average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Union Park 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

Union Park Demographics & Context

Population

7,397

Median Income

$62,163

Home Value

$149,490

Median Age

Pop. Density

5,852/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 13.2%

Graduate Degree 4.2%

Housing

68%

32%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 74%

Black 10.9%

Hispanic 12.3%

Asian 6%

Nearby Neighborhoods

River Bend Index: 163

Capitol Park Index: 176

B-

Highland Park Index: 111

A-

Martin Luther King Jr. Park Index: 158

C-

King Irving Index: 156

C+

Chautauqua Park Index: 169

C-

Cheatom Park Index: 153

B-

Capitol East Index: 163

A-

Union Park Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Des Moines Crime Statistics

View all Des Moines neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Union Park, Des Moines?

Union Park in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 97, which is 3% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Union Park is 31% lower. Union Park is safer than 40% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Is Union Park a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

Union Park is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Rape (index: 134), while Murder is the lowest risk (index: 97).

How does Union Park compare to the rest of Des Moines?

Union Park's overall crime index is 97, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Union Park is 31% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 115, and for property crime it is 120. 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 Park?

The most prevalent crime type in Union Park is Rape, with a crime index of 134 (34% 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 Park?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Capitol Park, Highland Park, Cheatom Park and Capitol East. These areas are close to Union Park and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Union Park?

Union Park has a population of approximately 7,397. The median household income is $62,163. The median home value is $149,490. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Union Park crime compare to the national average?

Union Park's overall crime rate is 3% below the national average (index 97 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 40% of neighborhoods. 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 March 2026.