Is Des Moines or Lansing Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Des Moines is safer than Lansing (Safety Score 10/100 vs 9/100), with a total crime rate of 3,831 per 100,000 versus 3,845 for Lansing — 0% lower. Des Moines has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Des Moines has a 56% lower rate.
Des Moines — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lansing — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Moines, IA
Lansing, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Des Moines | Lansing | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,831.4 | 3,845.0 | -13.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 704.9 | 1,346.0 | -641.0 |
| Murder Rate | 4.3 | 9.8 | -5.5 |
| Rape Rate | 51.1 | 104.5 | -53.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 75.0 | 96.5 | -21.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 1,134.3 | -561.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,126.5 | 2,499.0 | +627.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 462.6 | 421.6 | +41.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,142.0 | 1,429.0 | +713.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 521.9 | 648.4 | -126.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Lansing safer?
Des Moines is safer with a total crime rate of 3,831 per 100K vs 3,845 for Lansing — a 0% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Des Moines has a violent crime rate of 704.9 per 100K while Lansing has 1,346.0. Des Moines 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 Lansing, MI
Lansing, Michigan's capital, is a diverse city bisected by the Grand River. Home to Michigan State University, it blends government and academic influences with a developing urban core. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 111,965, Lansing has a total crime rate of 3,845.0 per 100,000 residents.