Is Des Moines or Pleasant Hill Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pleasant Hill is safer than Des Moines (Safety Score 83/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 766 per 100,000 versus 3,831 for Des Moines — 80% lower. Des Moines has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Pleasant Hill has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Des Moines is 17.2x 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
Pleasant Hill — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Moines, IA
Pleasant Hill, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Des Moines | Pleasant Hill | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,831.4 | 766.3 | +3,065.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 704.9 | 173.0 | +531.9 |
| Murder Rate | 4.3 | 0.0 | +4.3 |
| Rape Rate | 51.1 | 33.0 | +18.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 75.0 | 16.5 | +58.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 123.6 | +448.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,126.5 | 593.2 | +2,533.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 462.6 | 16.5 | +446.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,142.0 | 395.5 | +1,746.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 521.9 | 181.3 | +340.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Pleasant Hill safer?
Pleasant Hill is safer with a total crime rate of 766 per 100K vs 3,831 for Des Moines — a 80% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Des Moines has a violent crime rate of 704.9 per 100K while Pleasant Hill has 173.0. Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill, IA
Pleasant Hill, a Des Moines suburb, was once known for its coal mines. This Polk County city, with a population around 10,000, offers residents a blend of suburban living and natural areas. With a safety score of 83/100 and a population coverage of 12,137, Pleasant Hill has a total crime rate of 766.3 per 100,000 residents.