Is Des Moines or Gadsden Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Des Moines is safer than Gadsden (Safety Score 17/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 3,146 per 100,000 versus 3,159 for Gadsden — 0% lower. Des Moines has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Des Moines has a 74% lower rate.
Des Moines — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gadsden — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Moines, WA
Gadsden, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Des Moines | Gadsden | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,145.7 | 3,159.2 | -13.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 296.6 | 581.6 | -285.0 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 12.1 | -9.0 |
| Rape Rate | 28.4 | 12.1 | +16.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 104.1 | 48.5 | +55.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 160.9 | 508.9 | -348.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,849.1 | 2,577.6 | +271.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 214.6 | 293.8 | -79.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,927.8 | 2,065.7 | -137.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 706.8 | 218.1 | +488.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Gadsden safer?
Des Moines is safer with a total crime rate of 3,146 per 100K vs 3,159 for Gadsden — a 0% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Des Moines has a violent crime rate of 296.6 per 100K while Gadsden has 581.6. Des Moines has lower violent crime.
About Des Moines, WA
Des Moines, Washington, a Puget Sound city, was once a popular resort town. Today, its waterfront views and proximity to Seattle attract a diverse population. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 31,694, Des Moines has a total crime rate of 3,145.7 per 100,000 residents.
About Gadsden, AL
Gadsden, a city in northeast Alabama's Appalachian foothills, sits on the Coosa River. It was a major industrial hub, home to Republic Steel, and is the county seat of Etowah County. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 33,015, Gadsden has a total crime rate of 3,159.2 per 100,000 residents.