Is Des Moines or Dubuque Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dubuque is safer than Des Moines (Safety Score 45/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 1,836 per 100,000 versus 3,831 for Des Moines — 52% lower. Des Moines has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Dubuque has a 68% lower rate.
Note: Des Moines is 3.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Des Moines — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dubuque — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Moines, IA
Dubuque, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Des Moines | Dubuque | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,831.4 | 1,835.6 | +1,995.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 704.9 | 400.9 | +304.0 |
| Murder Rate | 4.3 | 1.7 | +2.6 |
| Rape Rate | 51.1 | 80.2 | -29.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 75.0 | 23.9 | +51.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 295.1 | +277.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,126.5 | 1,434.7 | +1,691.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 462.6 | 228.6 | +234.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,142.0 | 1,112.3 | +1,029.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 521.9 | 93.8 | +428.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Dubuque safer?
Dubuque is safer with a total crime rate of 1,836 per 100K vs 3,831 for Des Moines — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Des Moines has a violent crime rate of 704.9 per 100K while Dubuque has 400.9. Dubuque has lower violent crime.
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.
About Dubuque, IA
Perched on the Mississippi River, Dubuque is Iowa's oldest city, boasting a rich industrial past. This Tri-State Area hub, with a population around 60,000, sits at the convergence of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. With a safety score of 45/100 and a population coverage of 58,620, Dubuque has a total crime rate of 1,835.6 per 100,000 residents.