| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Des Moines/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,235 | n/a (estimate) | 3,795 | 3,732 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 9.2 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 9 | n/a | 27.7 | 39.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 33 | n/a | 101.4 | 86.8 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 54 | n/a | 165.9 | 244.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 99 | n/a (estimate) | 304 | 376 | 370 |
| Burglary | 132 | n/a | 405.6 | 563.0 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 740 | n/a | 2,274.1 | 2,154.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 264 | n/a | 811.3 | 639.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,136 | n/a (estimate) | 3,491 | 3,356 | 1,954 |
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
| Item | Des Moines | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 42 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.4 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Washington /100K | National /100K |
| Washington | 6,688 | 107 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Browns Point, WA | 961 | 53 | 471 | 524 |
| Canterwood, WA | 3,070 | 72 | 639 | 711 |
| Fox Island, WA | 3,613 | 83 | 741 | 824 |
| Shadow Lake, WA | 2,385 | 85 | 762 | 847 |
| Lake Holm, WA | 3,332 | 89 | 798 | 887 |
| Sammamish, WA | 65,265 | 59 | 917 | 977 |
| Black Diamond, WA | 4,703 | 0 | 1,025 | 1,025 |
| Des Moines, WA | 31,983 | 304 | 3,491 | 3,795 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Kaysville, UT | 31,957 | 64 | 791 | 854 |
| Ferry Pass, FL | 32,016 | 327 | 1,976 | 2,303 |
| Los Gatos, CA | 31,943 | 171 | 1,827 | 1,997 |
| Bangor, ME | 32,029 | 162 | 4,832 | 4,994 |
| Dover, NH | 31,922 | 39 | 1,016 | 1,055 |
| Des Moines, WA | 31,983 | 304 | 3,491 | 3,795 |
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