Is Des Moines or Storm Lake Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Storm Lake is safer than Des Moines (Safety Score 41/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 1,966 per 100,000 versus 3,831 for Des Moines — 49% lower. Des Moines has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Storm Lake has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Des Moines is 18.2x 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
Storm Lake — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Moines, IA
Storm Lake, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Des Moines | Storm Lake | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,831.4 | 1,966.2 | +1,865.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 704.9 | 287.1 | +417.8 |
| Murder Rate | 4.3 | 0.0 | +4.3 |
| Rape Rate | 51.1 | 34.8 | +16.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 75.0 | 34.8 | +40.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 217.5 | +355.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,126.5 | 1,679.1 | +1,447.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 462.6 | 278.4 | +184.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,142.0 | 1,313.7 | +828.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 521.9 | 87.0 | +434.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Storm Lake safer?
Storm Lake is safer with a total crime rate of 1,966 per 100K vs 3,831 for Des Moines — a 49% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Des Moines has a violent crime rate of 704.9 per 100K while Storm Lake has 287.1. Storm Lake 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 Storm Lake, IA
Storm Lake, Iowa, named for a severe storm in the 1850s, is a lakeside community in Buena Vista County. Its population is notably diverse, with a significant immigrant presence, particularly from Southeast Asia and Latin America, contributing to its vibrant culture and economy. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 11,494, Storm Lake has a total crime rate of 1,966.2 per 100,000 residents.