United States · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Des Moines scores 78/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Des Moines is generally safe for travelers, with low risk of violent crime and official advisories recommending normal precautions. The main risks for visitors are robbery (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United States · Assessed 29 July 2026
78
/ 100
Safer than ~84% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-07-23T16:13:06Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateRecent reports indicate robberies, though these are not specifically targeting tourists. Exercise situational awareness, particularly in less populated areas or after dark.
Pickpocketing
LowPickpocketing and bag-snatching are not highlighted as significant issues for visitors in Des Moines.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed but leaning positive
68/100
Residents report feeling moderately safe walking alone at night (45/100) but generally safe during the day (77/100). Worry about mugging or robbery is moderate (37/100).
Yes — Des Moines is generally safe for travelers, with low risk of violent crime and official advisories recommending normal precautions.
Des Moines presents a low risk for most travelers, with strong official guidance and low rates of terrorism and sexual violence. While property crime is noted as a moderate concern by residents, and some recent reports indicate robberies, these are not typically targeted at tourists. Travelers should be aware of extreme heat in July and exercise caution during nighttime hours.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Des Moines is generally a safe city for travelers, with official advisories from the US, UK, and Canada recommending only normal security precautions. The composite safety index is high, and risks associated with conflict, terrorism, and official guidance are very low.
On the ground, the data suggests a moderate concern for property crime among residents, and there have been recent reports of robberies. While these incidents are not specifically identified as targeting tourists, it is prudent for visitors to remain aware of their surroundings, particularly after dark, and to keep valuables secure. The homicide rate is comparable to the US national average, but significantly lower than many other countries.
Travelers should be aware of the current weather conditions. July in Des Moines can experience extreme heat, with highs around 41°C, necessitating precautions against heatstroke. While natural hazards are minimal, severe weather, including tornadoes, can occur in the Midwest, so monitoring forecasts is advisable. Health notices from the CDC mention global concerns for Polio, Dengue, and Measles, but these are general worldwide alerts.
To ensure a safe visit, travelers are advised to stay hydrated during the hot July weather, be mindful of their surroundings, especially at night, and secure personal belongings. Adhering to normal travel precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas after dark and being aware of potential scams, will contribute to a secure experience in Des Moines.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Des Moines districts for visitors: 3 safer, 5 needing caution. See them plotted on the Des Moines safety map.
DowntowncautionSome recent reports of robberies and attempted murder, exercise caution, especially after dark.
East VillagecautionGenerally safe but can experience petty crime; stay aware of surroundings.
Drake NeighborhoodcautionStudent-heavy area, can see occasional petty crime and noise complaints; be aware of your surroundings.
Sherman HillcautionHistoric neighborhood with some revitalization, but can have isolated incidents of crime; stay alert.
Clive (adjacent area)cautionAn attempted murder was reported in a Clive park; exercise vigilance in surrounding areas.
Western GatewaysaferPrimarily a business and entertainment district, generally safe with good visibility.
South of GrandsaferAffluent residential area, generally considered safe.
WaterburysaferQuiet residential neighborhood, typically safe.
07 · After Dark
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Recent reports indicate robberies, though these are not specifically targeting tourists. Exercise situational awareness, particularly in less populated areas or after dark.
After dark, be most careful around Downtown, East Village, Drake Neighborhood, Sherman Hill. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Des Moines's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Des Moines is generally safe for travelers, with low risk of violent crime and official advisories recommending normal precautions. Des Moines presents a low risk for most travelers, with strong official guidance and low rates of terrorism and sexual violence. While property crime is noted as a moderate concern by residents, and some recent reports indicate robberies, these are not typically targeted at tourists. Travelers should be aware of extreme heat in July and exercise caution during nighttime hours. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
Des Moines ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 78/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the United States safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: des-moines.json (CC BY 4.0).