Is Des Moines, IA Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report
Generative Engine Summary
In the Safety Atlas 2026 public safety index, Des Moines, IA has an adjusted safety score of 21.06 out of 100. It ranks #439 safest out of the 442 scored jurisdictions in Iowa. The city's overall crime trajectory is currently classified as stable.
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Key Public Safety Indicators
The table below lists per-capita crime rates normalized per 100,000 residents for the five primary crime categories. Per-capita tracking provides an objective, volume-neutral comparison against state and national averages.
| Offense Class | Annual Count | Rate per 100K | National Avg | vs National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | 138 | 64.95 | 37.35 | 1.74x higher |
| Aggravated Assault | 1121 | 527.62 | 178.78 | 2.95x higher |
| Burglary | 821 | 386.42 | 143.36 | 2.7x higher |
| Larceny-theft | 4234 | 1992.81 | 857.1 | 2.33x higher |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 928 | 436.78 | 152.54 | 2.86x higher |
Detailed Crime Class Breakdown
Rates for remaining secondary offense categories (including specialized property and community order metrics) are locked under our security and anti-scraping policy.
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Academic researchers, journalists, and policy professionals can cite this profile using the following formats:
Primary Source Data Integrity
Safety Atlas scorecards are constructed from audited law enforcement data. We do not use surveys, sentiment indexes, or self-reported resident reviews.
- Crime Counts: FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) database.
- Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimate boundaries.
- Methodology: Adjusted per-capita normalization with small-sample relief controls. View our complete Methodology Documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines safe compared to other places in Iowa?
Des Moines is classified as having low relative safety in the 2026 Safety Atlas Index. It has an adjusted safety score of 21.06 out of 100 and ranks #439 safest out of the 442 scored jurisdictions in Iowa.
What is the crime rate in Des Moines?
The primary crime rate in Des Moines for offenses displayed includes Robbery, Burglary, and Aggravated Assault. With only 138 annual robberies reported, Des Moines shows specific relative safety profiles. The overall trajectory trend is currently stable.
What is the safest neighborhood in Des Moines?
National NIBRS reports are aggregated at the municipal-wide level for Des Moines. To find neighborhood-specific safety data, you can consult local precinct mapping dashboards or purchase the full Iowa Safety Workbook.
Why are some crime statistics locked for Des Moines?
Under the Safety Atlas anti-scraping and data integrity policies, detailed per-capita rates and YoY trends for secondary offense classes are locked. Granular figures for all 18 FBI crime classes are reserved for subscribers of the Iowa Public Safety Workbook.