Universal Place Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Universal Place Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Universal Place in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 176, which is 76% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Universal Place is 48% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 184, 84% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 158).
Universal Place 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
|
181 | +81% | High | |
|
Assault
|
158 | +58% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
173 | +73% | High | |
|
Rape
|
182 | +82% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
181 | +81% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
172 | +72% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
184 | +84% | High | |
How Universal Place Compares
Crime index by category: Universal Place vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Universal Place Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Universal Place Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Universal Place, Des Moines?
Universal Place in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 176, which is 76% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Universal Place is 48% higher.
Is Universal Place a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Universal Place is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 184), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 158).
How does Universal Place compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Universal Place's overall crime index is 176, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Universal Place is 48% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 174, and for property crime it is 179. 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 Universal Place?
The most prevalent crime type in Universal Place is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 184 (84% 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 Universal Place?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Pioneer Park, River Woods, South Park and Easter Lake Area. These areas are close to Universal Place and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Universal Place?
Universal Place has a population of approximately 161. The median household income is $59,198. The median home value is $226,700. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Universal Place crime compare to the national average?
Universal Place's overall crime rate is 76% above the national average (index 176 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.