D
63%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
18%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
79%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleDes Moines/100k peopleWashington/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime1,235n/a (estimate)3,7953,7322,324
Murder3n/a9.25.06.3
Rape9n/a27.739.240.0
Robbery33n/a101.486.866.1
Assault54n/a165.9244.7268.2
Violent crime99n/a (estimate)304376370
Burglary132n/a405.6563.0269.8
Theft740n/a2,274.12,154.01,401.9
Vehicle theft264n/a811.3639.3282.7
Property crime1,136n/a (estimate)3,4913,3561,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Des Moines, WA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Des Moines is 63.3% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Des Moines, there were 99 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 304 per 100,000 individuals, 17.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 1136 property crimes, amounting to 3491 per 100,000 residents, 78.6% higher than the U.S. average.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Des Moines has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Des Moines reported 264 vehicle thefts, which equates to 811 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Des Moines is 1 in 124.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Des Moines?

What do the local residents think about crime in Des Moines? Well, based on a recent survey of 37 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 49% of Des Moines residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 51% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Des Moines a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Des Moines is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Des Moines has an overall crime rate that is 63% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 3.38 daily occurrences, comprising 0.27 violent crimes and 3.11 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Des Moines as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Des Moines Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Des Moines. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Des Moines has decreased by 4%. Violent crimes have decreased by 8.3%, while property crimes have decreased by 3.7%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Des Moines

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Des Moines crime rates. For instance, in Des Moines, the population density stands at 4988.3 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Des Moines, 81.1% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Des Moines, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.37 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

Des Moines crime map



The Des Moines crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Des Moines as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Des Moines crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Des Moines crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Des Moines crime rates are 63% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Des Moines are 18% lower than the national average
      • In Des Moines you have a 1 in 27 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Des Moines is safer than 22% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Des Moines has decreased by 4%

      Des Moines, WA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Des Moines (per 100,000 people)

        The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in Des Moines, WA per 100,000 people. In Des Moines, the number of daily crimes is projected to be 1.02 times more than the Washington average and 1.63 times more than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in Des Moines is 1.23 times less than the Washington average and 1.22 times less than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, Des Moines has a daily crime rate that is 1.04 times more than the Washington average and 1.79 times more than the overall daily national average.

        How Safe is Des Moines (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Des Moines, Washington compared to other areas of Washington, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Des Moines safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Des Moines is safer than 33% of Washington cities, and 22% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Washington, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Des Moines. At this time, Des Moines sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Des Moines

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Des Moines is 1 in 329
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Des Moines is 1 in 29
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Des Moines is 1 in 27
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Des Moines? In Des Moines, WA you have a 1 in 329 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 29 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 27 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Des Moines.

        Year Over Year Crime In Des Moines (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Des Moines, WA is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Des Moines has decreased by 8%, while the property crime rate in Des Moines has decreased by 3% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Des Moines has decreased by 4% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Des Moines police department

        Item Des Moines Washington National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)428,169558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.42.23.3
        There are a total of 42 Des Moines police officers. This results in 1.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 36.6% less than the Washington average and 57.7% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Washington

        State Total offenders Washington /100K National /100K
        Washington6,688107266
        There are a total of 6,688 sex offenders in Washington. This yields a total of 107 sex offenders in Washington per 100,000 residents which is 60% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Browns Point, WA96153471524
        Canterwood, WA3,07072639711
        Fox Island, WA3,61383741824
        Shadow Lake, WA2,38585762847
        Lake Holm, WA3,33289798887
        Sammamish, WA65,26559917977
        Black Diamond, WA4,70301,0251,025
        Des Moines, WA31,9833043,4913,795

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Kaysville, UT31,95764791854
        Ferry Pass, FL32,0163271,9762,303
        Los Gatos, CA31,9431711,8271,997
        Bangor, ME32,0291624,8324,994
        Dover, NH31,922391,0161,055
        Des Moines, WA31,9833043,4913,795
        Source: The Des Moines, WA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.