Des Moines vs Rochester Crime Comparison
Is Des Moines or Rochester Safer?
Des Moines is the safer city, with a total crime rate 1% lower than Rochester 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 67% lower rate.
Des Moines, IA
Safety Score
30/100
Population
209,245
Total Crime Rate
3,831.4
Category Wins
4/7
Rochester, NY
Safety Score
29/100
Population
206,093
Total Crime Rate
3,871.6
Category Wins
3/7
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Des Moines | Rochester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,831.4 | 3,871.6 | -40.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 704.9 | 582.3 | +122.7 |
| Murder Rate | 4.3 | 13.1 | -8.8 |
| Rape Rate | 51.1 | 18.4 | +32.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 75.0 | 153.3 | -78.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 397.4 | +175.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,126.5 | 3,289.3 | -162.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 462.6 | 404.7 | +58.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,142.0 | 1,795.8 | +346.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 521.9 | 1,088.8 | -567.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Rochester safer?
Des Moines is safer with a total crime rate of 3,831 per 100K vs 3,872 for Rochester — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Des Moines has a violent crime rate of 704.9 per 100K while Rochester has 582.3. Rochester has lower violent crime.