Safety Tips and Common Crimes to Avoid in Des Moines, Iowa

Quick Answer

Des Moines is generally safe, with a violent crime rate well below the national average, but property crimes like car break-ins and theft are common; staying vigilant in downtown areas, securing belongings, and choosing neighborhoods like Beaverdale or West Des Moines significantly reduces risk.

Crime Statistics & Safety Overview

Based on the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report and Des Moines Police Department data, the city's safety profile is defined by low violent crime but persistent property crime.

Key 2023 Data Points:
  • Violent Crime Rate: 2.8 incidents per 1,000 residents (National Avg: ~4.0).
  • Property Crime Rate: 28.1 incidents per 1,000 residents (Primary concern).
  • Most Common Crime: Larceny-Theft (over 60% of all property crime).
  • Annual Trend: Property crime has seen a slight decrease (approx. 3% from 2022), while aggravated assaults showed a minor uptick in specific zones.

Real-World Context: A 2023 study by NeighborhoodScout ranks Des Moines safer than 45% of U.S. cities. Your risk of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 360. The majority of serious crime is concentrated in non-tourist, residential areas on the north and southeast sides.

Safest Neighborhoods & Areas to Live/Stay

Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. The following areas are consistently praised for low crime, community engagement, and proactive policing.

Neighborhood/Area Safety Rating (1-10) Key Features & Notes Typical Vacancy Rate*
Beaverdale 9.5 Strong neighborhood watch, family-oriented, low traffic. Near Mercy Franklin Medical Center. < 3%
Waterbury 9.2 Historic, high home ownership, very walkable. Close to Grand Ave shops. < 2%
Waveland Park / South of Grand 9.0 Affluent, beautiful parks, extremely low property crime. ~ 2.5%
West Des Moines (Suburb) 9.8 Independent city, excellent schools, retail hub (Jordan Creek). Very low crime across all categories. ~ 4%
Clive / Johnston (Suburbs) 9.5 Top-rated for family safety, extensive trail systems, community events. 3-5%

*Vacancy rates are for rental properties (Q4 2023, sourced from local MLS).

Visitor Recommendation: Hotels in West Des Moines (Jordan Creek area) and downtown's East Village offer a good blend of safety, amenities, and access.

Areas for Increased Caution

These areas have higher reported crime rates. Vigilance is advised, especially after dark.

  • North of I-235 / Near Drake University (Certain Blocks): While the campus itself is safe and well-patrolled, some adjacent residential streets see higher property crime. Students are advised to use campus security escorts at night.
  • South Side (SE 14th St & Army Post Rd Corridor): Higher rates of theft and occasional violent incidents. Be alert in commercial parking lots.
  • East Village (Peripheral Streets at Night): The core is safe, but moving east towards the river and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway can become isolated.
Case Study - Parking Ramp Theft: In late 2022, a string of over 30 vehicle break-ins occurred in the 7th & Locust Street parking ramp. The common factor? GPS units, laptops, and bags left on seats. The DMPD increased patrols and installed better lighting, leading to a 40% reduction in incidents in Q1 2023.

Common Crimes & Step-by-Step Response Guide

1. Theft from Motor Vehicle ("Car Break-In")

Step-by-Step Response:

  1. Assess Safety: Do not approach the vehicle if you suspect the perpetrator is nearby. Move to a safe, public location.
  2. Call Police: Use the non-emergency number (515) 283-4811. For an in-progress crime, call 911.
  3. Document & Wait: Do not touch the car. Take photos from a distance. An officer may take a report in person or direct you to file online.
  4. File Report & Insurance: Get the case number. Report to your insurance. If credit cards were stolen, call issuers immediately.

Where it Happens: Downtown parking ramps, trailhead parking lots (like Gray's Lake), and outside apartment complexes.

2. Bicycle Theft

Process: Report online or via non-emergency. Provide serial number (critical for recovery). Register your bike with the Des Moines Police Bicycle Registration Program.

Police Departments & Emergency Contacts

  • Des Moines Police Headquarters: 25 E 1st St, Des Moines, IA 50309. Non-Emergency: (515) 283-4811.
  • West Des Moines Police: 250 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50265. Non-Emergency: (515) 222-3321.
  • Iowa State Patrol (District 3 - Des Moines): (515) 323-5400. For highway incidents.
  • Des Moines Fire Department (Emergency): 911.
  • Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 (National hotline).

Wait Times & Process: For non-injury, non-active property crime reports, phone or online filing is encouraged. In-person response can take over an hour during peak times. For emergencies (in-progress crime, fire, medical), 911 response averages 4-6 minutes in urban areas.

Daily Personal Safety Tips

  • Awareness: Avoid distraction by phones in parking lots, on trails (Bill Riley Trail, Principal Riverwalk), and at bus stops.
  • Night Safety: Use the D-Line free downtown shuttle or request a security escort from major venues. Stick to well-lit streets like Court Avenue and Grand Avenue.
  • ATM Use: Use machines inside banks or well-lit areas. Avoid the standalone ATMs in secluded convenience store vestibules.
  • Public Transport (DART): Be alert at central hubs. The DART Central Station (620 Cherry St) can attract loitering. Keep belongings secure.

Vehicle & Home Security Guide

Vehicle "Must-Do" List:
  • LOCK YOUR DOORS: 40% of vehicle thefts are from unlocked cars.
  • Remove Valuables: Take bags, electronics, and tools with you. Don't hide them in the trunk after you've parked.
  • Park Smart: Choose attended lots downtown (e.g., Ramp 3 - 8th & Walnut). At home, park in a garage if possible.
  • Use Physical Deterrents: Steering wheel locks are effective visual deterrents.

Home Security: Burglaries often target homes with poor lighting and obscured entry points. The DMPD offers free Home Security Surveys. Key advice: Install motion-sensor lights, secure sliding doors with a bar, and maintain trimmed shrubs.

Local Scams & Fraud Alerts

  • Door-to-Door "Storm Chaser" Roofing Scams: Common after hail storms (frequent in spring/summer). They demand large upfront payments and do shoddy work or disappear. Always verify contractor licenses with the Iowa Division of Labor.
  • Fake Utility Worker Scams: Individuals claiming to be from "MidAmerican Energy" or the water board try to gain entry to homes. Real utility employees carry photo ID and will rarely demand immediate entry without an appointment.
  • Parking Ticket Payment Scams: Fake tickets with instructions to pay via a non-official website. Real Des Moines parking tickets are payable to the City of Des Moines Treasurer or via the official Parking Division website.

Report Fraud: Iowa Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division: 1-888-777-4590.

Weather & Natural Hazards Safety

Des Moines experiences severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and harsh winters.

  • Tornado Season (April-July): Know the difference between a Watch (conditions favorable) and a Warning (imminent - take shelter). Identify a sturdy building's lowest interior room. Avoid highway overpasses.
  • Winter Driving (Nov-Mar): Black ice is common on bridges (Fleur Drive over Gray's Lake, I-235 over the river). Keep an emergency kit in your car. Follow Iowa 511 for road conditions.
  • Flooding: Avoid driving through flooded roadways, especially near the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers. "Turn Around, Don't Drown."

Hospitals & Emergency Medical Services

Hospital Name Address & Main Phone Emergency Room Details Special Notes
UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center (Level II Trauma Center) 1200 Pleasant St, Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 241-6212		 24/7 ER. Busiest in the city. Average wait time for non-critical: 45-90 mins. Central location. Best for major trauma and heart/stroke emergencies.
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center 1111 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 247-3121		 24/7 ER. Typically shorter waits than Iowa Methodist. Comprehensive stroke center. Downtown location.
VA Central Iowa Health Care System 3600 30th St, Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 699-5999		 ER for eligible veterans. Requires VA eligibility.
West Des Moines Urgent Care Clinics (e.g., UnityPoint Urgent Care) 5950 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 222-7000		 Non-life-threatening illness/injury. Wait Cost-effective alternative to ER for minor issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Des Moines a safe city to live in and visit?

A. Overall, Des Moines is considered safer than the national average for cities of comparable size. According to 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data, its violent crime rate is approximately 35% lower than the U.S. average. However, like any urban area, crime exists and varies significantly by neighborhood. Property crime, especially theft from vehicles and burglary, is the most common issue.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Des Moines?

A. Neighborhoods like Beaverdale, Waterbury, Waveland Park, and the areas surrounding the Governor's Mansion (Terrace Hill) consistently rank as the safest, with very low crime rates. The suburbs of West Des Moines, Clive, and Johnston also boast excellent safety records. You can check the Des Moines Police Department's public crime maps for real-time data.

Official Resources

Disclaimer

Legal Notice: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional safety advice. Crime data is dynamic and can change. While we strive for accuracy by referencing official sources like the FBI UCR and the City of Des Moines, we make no warranties regarding its completeness or timeliness. Your personal safety is your responsibility. Always rely on current information from local authorities. In case of an emergency, always call 911. The authors and publishers disclaim any liability for actions taken based on the content of this guide, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, including but not limited to the Iowa Code Chapter 668A (Limitations on Liability).