50311 Zip Code, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe zip code — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 43% of zip codes in Des Moines
Safety at a Glance
Is 50311 a Safe Zip Code?
Zip code 50311 in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 133, which is 33% above the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 43% of zip codes in Des Moines.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), zip code 50311 is 5% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 149, 49% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 126).
Overall, zip code 50311 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.
50311 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
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
126 | +26% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
134 | +34% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
149 | +49% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
140 | +40% | Moderate | |
How 50311 Compares
Crime index by category: 50311 vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
50311 Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
50311 Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Other Zip Codes in Des Moines
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Zip code 50311, Des Moines?
Zip code 50311 in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 133, which is 33% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Zip code 50311 is 5% higher. Zip code 50311 is safer than 43% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Is Zip code 50311 a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Zip code 50311 is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 149), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 126).
How does Zip code 50311 compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Zip code 50311's overall crime index is 133, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Zip code 50311 is 5% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 131, 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 Zip code 50311?
The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 50311 is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 149 (49% 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 Zip code 50311?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 50312, 50321, 50317 and 50313. These areas are close to Zip code 50311 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Zip code 50311?
Zip code 50311 has a population of approximately 15,867. The median household income is $62,229. The median home value is $217,418. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Zip code 50311 crime compare to the national average?
Zip code 50311's overall crime rate is 33% above the national average (index 133 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 43% 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.