Safety in Des Moines, IA: Crime, Heat & Commute

Homicide deaths

3.6 per 100,000

US 6.5. CDC, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Firearm deaths

9.6 per 100,000

US 13.4. Homicide, suicide, accidents.

July high

85°F

Mild

January low

14°F

Cold

Sunny days

205/yr

NOAA

Getting around

A car per adult

Metro-wide

Commute

20 min

One way

Population

720k

Des Moines

Poverty

8.9% of people

ACS 2023.

Without health insurance

4.5%

ACS 2023. 95.5% insured.

Death rates: CDC via County Health Rankings. Climate: NOAA.