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D-

Is Des Moines, Iowa Safe?

Population 212,086 · Safer than 14% of US cities

Declining· 2023 FBI UCR data

With a violent crime rate above the national average, Des Moines faces real safety challenges. It earns a D- grade and ranks below 86% of US cities. Property crime makes up the majority of offenses, with theft at 1,450 per 100K.

Des Moines Crime Rates vs State and National Averages

MetricDes MoinesIowa AvgNational Avg
Violent Crime Rate457.8332.1363.8
Property Crime Rate2297.32075.01,832.3
Murder Rate10.0--5.7
Assault Rate294.0--268.2
Theft Rate1450.0--1,401.5
Vehicle Theft Rate576.0--318.3

All rates per 100,000 residents. 2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report + Census Bureau population estimates.

Overall SafetyD-

275.5 crimes per 1,000 residents

Violent CrimeD-

458/100K (national avg: 364)

Property CrimeD

2297/100K (national avg: 1,832)

Key Crime Statistics for Des Moines

Violent crime in Des Moines is above the national average. The rate of 457.8 per 100K exceeds the national 363.8.

Property crime is above the national average at 2297.3 per 100K vs. the national 1,832.3.

Theft is the most reported crime at 1,450 per 100K. The national average is 1,401.5.

Des Moines Crime Breakdown by Category

Murder10
01.8x national avgAvg: 5.7
Assault294
01.1x national avgAvg: 268.2
Robbery53
084% of avgAvg: 63.3
Burglary364
01.3x national avgAvg: 269.8
Theft1,450
01.0x national avgAvg: 1,401.5
Vehicle Theft576
01.8x national avgAvg: 318.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. Vertical marker = national average.

How Des Moines Compares

Violent Crime Rate (per 100K)

Des Moines
457.8
State
332.1
National
363.8

Property Crime Rate (per 100K)

Des Moines
2297.3
State
2075.0
National
1832.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. National averages from 2023 FBI UCR data.

Frequently Asked Questions About Des Moines Safety

Is Des Moines safe?
Not especially. Des Moines earns a D- with a crime rate of 275.5 per 1,000 residents, and violent crime runs above the national average. Standard precautions apply, especially at night.
What is the crime rate in Des Moines?
275.5 per 1,000 residents. That breaks down to a violent crime rate of 457.8 per 100,000 (the national average is 363.8) and property crime at 2297.3 per 100,000 (national average: 1832.3).
Is Des Moines safe for tourists?
Exercise extra caution. Des Moines's D- grade reflects real risk, particularly for property crime. Theft (1,450 per 100K) is the biggest concern for visitors. Stay in well-lit, busy areas at night.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Des Moines?
Neighborhood-level data varies, but suburban residential areas in Des Moines generally report lower crime than downtown or commercial districts. For block-level detail, check the Des Moines police department's crime map.
Is crime increasing in Des Moines?
Yes, there's been an uptick. Des Moines's crime rates have moved in the wrong direction recently, though the city still holds a D- grade overall.
How does Des Moines compare to other cities in Iowa?
Below average for the state. Des Moines ranks behind about 77% of Iowa cities on safety, with property crime being the bigger issue at 1.3x the national rate.
How safe is Des Moines to live in?
Worth factoring into your decision. Violent crime is above the national average. The upward trend in crime is concerning.
How bad is crime in Des Moines?
Bad. A D- grade and 275.5 per-thousand rate put Des Moines below 86% of US cities. Violent crime at 458 per 100K is the core problem.
What is the violent crime rate in Des Moines?
457.8 per 100,000, which is 26% above the national average of 363.8. That includes assault (294), robbery (53), and murder (10.0) per 100,000.

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View all Iowa city safety grades

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2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report data and Census Bureau population estimates. Safety grades calculated using national and state-level crime rate distributions. Not a substitute for local law enforcement guidance.

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