Is Des Moines or Sioux City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Des Moines is safer than Sioux City (Safety Score 10/100 vs 9/100), with a total crime rate of 3,831 per 100,000 versus 3,882 for Sioux City — 1% lower. Des Moines has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Des Moines has a 22% lower rate.
Note: Des Moines is 2.4x 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
Sioux City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Moines, IA
Sioux City, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Des Moines | Sioux City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,831.4 | 3,881.7 | -50.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 704.9 | 557.7 | +147.2 |
| Murder Rate | 4.3 | 3.5 | +0.8 |
| Rape Rate | 51.1 | 84.0 | -32.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 75.0 | 95.7 | -20.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 372.2 | +200.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,126.5 | 3,324.0 | -197.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 462.6 | 474.9 | -12.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,142.0 | 2,555.1 | -413.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 521.9 | 294.0 | +227.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Sioux City safer?
Des Moines is safer with a total crime rate of 3,831 per 100K vs 3,882 for Sioux City — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Des Moines has a violent crime rate of 704.9 per 100K while Sioux City has 557.7. Sioux 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 Sioux City, IA
Sioux City, Iowa, sits at the confluence of the Missouri and Big Sioux rivers, a historic hub of the meatpacking industry. It's the largest city in western Iowa, with a diverse population reflecting its industrial past. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 85,711, Sioux City has a total crime rate of 3,881.7 per 100,000 residents.