Is Des Moines or San Bernardino Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Bernardino is safer than Des Moines (Safety Score 10/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 3,795 per 100,000 versus 3,831 for Des Moines — 1% lower. Des Moines has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Des Moines has a 69% lower rate.
Des Moines — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Bernardino — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Moines, IA
San Bernardino, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Des Moines | San Bernardino | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,831.4 | 3,794.8 | +36.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 704.9 | 897.1 | -192.2 |
| Murder Rate | 4.3 | 11.2 | -6.9 |
| Rape Rate | 51.1 | 49.9 | +1.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 75.0 | 241.2 | -166.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 594.8 | -22.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,126.5 | 2,897.7 | +228.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 462.6 | 455.2 | +7.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,142.0 | 1,677.4 | +464.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 521.9 | 765.1 | -243.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or San Bernardino safer?
San Bernardino is safer with a total crime rate of 3,795 per 100K vs 3,831 for Des Moines — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Des Moines has a violent crime rate of 704.9 per 100K while San Bernardino has 897.1. Des Moines 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 San Bernardino, CA
Nestled in the Inland Empire, San Bernardino is a diverse city historically linked to the Santa Fe Railroad. Its population of over 200,000 residents enjoys views of the San Bernardino Mountains. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 224,283, San Bernardino has a total crime rate of 3,794.8 per 100,000 residents.