Vista Heights Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Vista Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Vista Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 127, which is 27% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Vista Heights is 1% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 188, 88% above average), while vehicle theft is the lowest risk (index: 81).
Vista Heights 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
|
85 | -15% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
133 | +33% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
119 | +19% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
89 | -11% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
188 | +88% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
104 | +4% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
81 | -19% | Average | |
How Vista Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Vista Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Vista Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Vista Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Vista Heights, Des Moines?
Vista Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 127, which is 27% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Vista Heights is 1% lower.
Is Vista Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Vista Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 188), while Vehicle Theft is the lowest risk (index: 81).
How does Vista Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Vista Heights's overall crime index is 127, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Vista Heights is 1% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 107, and for property crime it is 124. 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 Vista Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Vista Heights is Burglary, with a crime index of 188 (88% 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 Vista Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Douglas Acres, Fairmont Park, Sheridan Gardens and Accent. These areas are close to Vista Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Vista Heights?
Vista Heights has a population of approximately 14. The median household income is $58,333. The median home value is $187,341. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Vista Heights crime compare to the national average?
Vista Heights's overall crime rate is 27% above the national average (index 127 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.