50309 Zip Code, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safer than 14% of zip codes in Des Moines
Safety at a Glance
Is 50309 a Safe Zip Code?
Zip code 50309 in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 196, which is 96% above the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 14% of zip codes in Des Moines.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), zip code 50309 is 68% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 195, 95% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 177).
Overall, zip code 50309 is considered a safe area for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.
50309 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
|
195 | +95% | High | |
|
Assault
|
193 | +93% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
190 | +90% | High | |
|
Rape
|
186 | +86% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
177 | +77% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
192 | +92% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
195 | +95% | High | |
How 50309 Compares
Crime index by category: 50309 vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
50309 Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
50309 Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Other Zip Codes in Des Moines
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Zip code 50309, Des Moines?
Zip code 50309 in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 196, which is 96% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Zip code 50309 is 68% higher. Zip code 50309 is safer than 14% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Is Zip code 50309 a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Zip code 50309 is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Murder (index: 195), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 177). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Des Moines.
How does Zip code 50309 compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Zip code 50309's overall crime index is 196, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Zip code 50309 is 68% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 191, and for property crime it is 188. 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 Zip code 50309?
The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 50309 is Murder, with a crime index of 195 (95% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Zip code 50309?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 50312, 50321, 50317 and 50313. These areas are close to Zip code 50309 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Zip code 50309?
Zip code 50309 has a population of approximately 5,796. The median household income is $36,721. The median home value is $284,692. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Zip code 50309 crime compare to the national average?
Zip code 50309's overall crime rate is 96% above the national average (index 196 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 14% of neighborhoods. 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 March 2026.