Is Carroll or Des Moines Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Carroll is safer than Des Moines (Safety Score 74/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 1,018 per 100,000 versus 3,831 for Des Moines — 73% lower. Carroll has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Carroll has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Des Moines is 20.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Carroll — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Moines — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Carroll, IA
Des Moines, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Carroll | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,018.0 | 3,831.4 | -2,813.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 39.5 | 704.9 | -665.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 4.3 | -4.3 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 51.1 | -51.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 75.0 | -75.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 39.5 | 572.5 | -533.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 978.5 | 3,126.5 | -2,148.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 158.1 | 462.6 | -304.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 761.0 | 2,142.0 | -1,381.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 59.3 | 521.9 | -462.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carroll or Des Moines safer?
Carroll is safer with a total crime rate of 1,018 per 100K vs 3,831 for Des Moines — a 73% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Carroll has a violent crime rate of 39.5 per 100K while Des Moines has 704.9. Carroll has lower violent crime.
About Carroll, IA
Carroll, Iowa, a county seat nestled along the Middle Raccoon River, boasts a rich agricultural heritage. Its population of around 10,000 residents reflects a close-knit Midwestern community. With a safety score of 74/100 and a population coverage of 10,118, Carroll has a total crime rate of 1,018.0 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.