50317 Zip Code, Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe zip code — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 79% of zip codes in Des Moines

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 116 / 300 High
Violent Crime 111
11% above national avg
Property Crime 123
23% above national avg
City Ranking
79%
safer than other
Des Moines zip codes

Is 50317 a Safe Zip Code?

Zip code 50317 in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 116, which is 16% above the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 79% of zip codes in Des Moines.

Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), zip code 50317 is 12% lower in overall crime.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 128, 28% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 100).

Overall, zip code 50317 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.

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 128 (28% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Assault · Index 100 (0% below avg)

50317 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
111 +11% Moderate
Assault
100 0% Average
Robbery
114 +14% Moderate
Rape
117 +17% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
120 +20% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
128 +28% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
120 +20% Moderate

How 50317 Compares

Crime index by category: 50317 vs Des Moines average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

50317 Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

50317 Demographics & Context

Population
40,969
Median Income
$64,179
Home Value
$165,683
Median Age
38
Pop. Density
1,924/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 10.1%
Graduate Degree 3.3%

Housing

69%
31%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 81.8%
Black 6.4%
Hispanic 11.3%
Asian 3.8%

Other Zip Codes in Des Moines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Zip code 50317, Des Moines?

Zip code 50317 in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 116, which is 16% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Zip code 50317 is 12% lower. Zip code 50317 is safer than 79% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Is Zip code 50317 a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

Zip code 50317 is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 128), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 100). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Des Moines.

How does Zip code 50317 compare to the rest of Des Moines?

Zip code 50317's overall crime index is 116, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Zip code 50317 is 12% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 111, and for property crime it is 123. 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 50317?

The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 50317 is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 128 (28% 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 50317?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 50312, 50321, 50313 and 50310. These areas are close to Zip code 50317 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Zip code 50317?

Zip code 50317 has a population of approximately 40,969. The median household income is $64,179. The median home value is $165,683. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Zip code 50317 crime compare to the national average?

Zip code 50317's overall crime rate is 16% above the national average (index 116 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 79% 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.