Is Des Moines or Mason City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mason City is safer than Des Moines (Safety Score 27/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 2,546 per 100,000 versus 3,831 for Des Moines — 34% lower. Des Moines has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mason City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Des Moines is 7.8x 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
Mason City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Moines, IA
Mason City, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Des Moines | Mason City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,831.4 | 2,546.1 | +1,285.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 704.9 | 224.0 | +480.9 |
| Murder Rate | 4.3 | 0.0 | +4.3 |
| Rape Rate | 51.1 | 100.8 | -49.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 75.0 | 14.9 | +60.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 108.3 | +464.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,126.5 | 2,322.1 | +804.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 462.6 | 313.6 | +149.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,142.0 | 1,937.6 | +204.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 521.9 | 70.9 | +451.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Mason City safer?
Mason City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,546 per 100K vs 3,831 for Des Moines — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Des Moines has a violent crime rate of 704.9 per 100K while Mason City has 224.0. Mason 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 Mason City, IA
Mason City, Iowa, a regional hub in north-central Iowa, is known for its Prairie School architecture, including a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house. Its population of around 27,000 resides amidst fertile agricultural land. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 26,786, Mason City has a total crime rate of 2,546.1 per 100,000 residents.