Van Nest 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 Van Nest Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Van Nest 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), Van Nest 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.
Van Nest 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 Van Nest Compares
Crime index by category: Van Nest vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Van Nest Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Van Nest Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Van Nest, Des Moines?
Van Nest 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 Van Nest is 33% lower.
Is Van Nest a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Van Nest 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 Van Nest compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Van Nest's overall crime index is 95, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Van Nest 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 Van Nest?
The most prevalent crime type in Van Nest 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 Van Nest?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Union Park, Fairmont Park, Highland Park and Capitol Park. These areas are close to Van Nest and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Van Nest?
Van Nest has a population of approximately 61. The median household income is $51,593. The median home value is $158,266. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Van Nest crime compare to the national average?
Van Nest'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.