University Heights Acres 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 University Heights Acres Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. University Heights Acres in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 109, which is 9% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), University Heights Acres is 19% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 146, 46% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 54). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
University Heights Acres 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
|
108 | +8% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
130 | +30% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
136 | +36% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
54 | -46% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
146 | +46% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
146 | +46% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
126 | +26% | Moderate | |
How University Heights Acres Compares
Crime index by category: University Heights Acres vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
University Heights Acres Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
University Heights Acres Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in University Heights Acres, Des Moines?
University Heights Acres in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 109, which is 9% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in University Heights Acres is 19% lower.
Is University Heights Acres a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
University Heights Acres is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 146), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 54).
How does University Heights Acres compare to the rest of Des Moines?
University Heights Acres's overall crime index is 109, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in University Heights Acres is 19% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 107, and for property crime it is 139. 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 University Heights Acres?
The most prevalent crime type in University Heights Acres is Burglary, with a crime index of 146 (46% 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 University Heights Acres?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Waveland Park, Waveland Woods, Merle Hay and Waterbury. These areas are close to University Heights Acres and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of University Heights Acres?
University Heights Acres has a population of approximately 74. The median household income is $73,743. The median home value is $176,079. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does University Heights Acres crime compare to the national average?
University Heights Acres's overall crime rate is 9% above the national average (index 109 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.