Is Ames or Des Moines Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ames is safer than Des Moines (Safety Score 51/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 1,654 per 100,000 versus 3,831 for Des Moines — 57% lower. Ames has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ames has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Des Moines is 3.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ames — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Moines — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ames, IA
Des Moines, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ames | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,653.8 | 3,831.4 | -2,177.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 148.3 | 704.9 | -556.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 4.3 | -4.3 |
| Rape Rate | 70.3 | 51.1 | +19.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 7.6 | 75.0 | -67.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 70.3 | 572.5 | -502.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,505.5 | 3,126.5 | -1,621.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 172.7 | 462.6 | -289.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,244.2 | 2,142.0 | -897.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 88.7 | 521.9 | -433.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ames or Des Moines safer?
Ames is safer with a total crime rate of 1,654 per 100K vs 3,831 for Des Moines — a 57% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ames has a violent crime rate of 148.3 per 100K while Des Moines has 704.9. Ames has lower violent crime.
About Ames, IA
Ames, Iowa, home to Iowa State University, is a city in Story County. This community in central Iowa has a significant student population, contributing to its vibrant academic atmosphere. With a safety score of 51/100 and a population coverage of 65,426, Ames has a total crime rate of 1,653.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Des Moines, IA
Des Moines, Iowa's capital, sits on the Des Moines River. It's known for its thriving insurance industry and has a growing population, with a median age in the mid-30s. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 209,245, Des Moines has a total crime rate of 3,831.4 per 100,000 residents.