Is Des Moines or Iowa City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Iowa City is safer than Des Moines (Safety Score 40/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100,000 versus 3,831 for Des Moines — 48% lower. Des Moines has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Iowa City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Des Moines is 2.8x 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
Iowa City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Moines, IA
Iowa City, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Des Moines | Iowa City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,831.4 | 1,995.2 | +1,836.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 704.9 | 321.3 | +383.6 |
| Murder Rate | 4.3 | 0.0 | +4.3 |
| Rape Rate | 51.1 | 54.0 | -2.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 75.0 | 50.0 | +25.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 217.3 | +355.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,126.5 | 1,673.8 | +1,452.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 462.6 | 156.7 | +305.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,142.0 | 1,389.4 | +752.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 521.9 | 127.7 | +394.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Iowa City safer?
Iowa City is safer with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100K vs 3,831 for Des Moines — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Des Moines has a violent crime rate of 704.9 per 100K while Iowa City has 321.3. Iowa City 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 Iowa City, IA
Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa and its renowned Writers' Workshop, sits along the Iowa River. This vibrant Midwestern city in Johnson County boasts a diverse population, including a significant student presence. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 75,934, Iowa City has a total crime rate of 1,995.2 per 100,000 residents.