Is Clive or Des Moines Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Clive is safer than Des Moines (Safety Score 61/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 1,375 per 100,000 versus 3,831 for Des Moines — 64% lower. Clive has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Clive has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Des Moines is 10.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Clive — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Moines — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Clive, IA
Des Moines, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Clive | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,375.2 | 3,831.4 | -2,456.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 209.2 | 704.9 | -495.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 4.3 | -4.3 |
| Rape Rate | 36.6 | 51.1 | -14.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 10.5 | 75.0 | -64.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 162.1 | 572.5 | -410.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,166.1 | 3,126.5 | -1,960.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 88.9 | 462.6 | -373.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 951.7 | 2,142.0 | -1,190.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 125.5 | 521.9 | -396.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clive or Des Moines safer?
Clive is safer with a total crime rate of 1,375 per 100K vs 3,831 for Des Moines — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Clive has a violent crime rate of 209.2 per 100K while Des Moines has 704.9. Clive has lower violent crime.
About Clive, IA
Clive, Iowa, a western suburb of Des Moines, is known for its extensive network of recreational trails, including the popular Clive Greenbelt Trail. This city of over 19,000 residents lies primarily in Polk County, with a small portion extending into Dallas County. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 19,124, Clive has a total crime rate of 1,375.2 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.