Van Vliet Meadows Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Des Moines
Is Van Vliet Meadows Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Van Vliet Meadows 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 Vliet Meadows 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 Vliet Meadows 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 Vliet Meadows Compares
Crime index by category: Van Vliet Meadows vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Van Vliet Meadows 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 Vliet Meadows Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Van Vliet Meadows, Des Moines?
Van Vliet Meadows 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 Vliet Meadows is 33% lower.
Is Van Vliet Meadows a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Van Vliet Meadows 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 Vliet Meadows compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Van Vliet Meadows's overall crime index is 95, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Van Vliet Meadows 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 Vliet Meadows?
The most prevalent crime type in Van Vliet Meadows 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 Vliet Meadows?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Union Park, Highland Park, Capitol Park and Fairmont Park. These areas are close to Van Vliet Meadows and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Van Vliet Meadows?
Van Vliet Meadows has a population of approximately 253. The median household income is $51,595. The median home value is $129,701. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Van Vliet Meadows crime compare to the national average?
Van Vliet Meadows'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.