Des Moines vs Lansing Crime Comparison
Is Des Moines or Lansing Safer?
Des Moines is the safer city, with a total crime rate 0% lower than Lansing based on 2024 FBI data. 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, IA
Safety Score
30/100
Population
209,245
Total Crime Rate
3,831.4
Category Wins
4/7
Lansing, MI
Safety Score
30/100
Population
111,965
Total Crime Rate
3,845.0
Category Wins
3/7
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.