Is Des Moines or Marshalltown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Marshalltown is safer than Des Moines (Safety Score 39/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 2,071 per 100,000 versus 3,831 for Des Moines — 46% lower. Des Moines has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Marshalltown has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Des Moines is 7.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Marshalltown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Moines, IA
Marshalltown, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Des Moines | Marshalltown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,831.4 | 2,070.6 | +1,760.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 704.9 | 297.4 | +407.6 |
| Murder Rate | 4.3 | 7.3 | -3.0 |
| Rape Rate | 51.1 | 43.5 | +7.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 75.0 | 14.5 | +60.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 232.1 | +340.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,126.5 | 1,773.3 | +1,353.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 462.6 | 301.0 | +161.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,142.0 | 1,367.1 | +774.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 521.9 | 105.2 | +416.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Marshalltown safer?
Marshalltown is safer with a total crime rate of 2,071 per 100K vs 3,831 for Des Moines — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Des Moines has a violent crime rate of 704.9 per 100K while Marshalltown has 297.4. Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown, IA
Marshalltown, a central Iowa hub, is known for its diverse population and as the home of Lennox Manufacturing since 1904. This city in Marshall County sits along the Iowa River. With a safety score of 39/100 and a population coverage of 27,576, Marshalltown has a total crime rate of 2,070.6 per 100,000 residents.