Urbandale, IA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Urbandale, IA

What is Urbandale's overall crime grade?

Urbandale earns an overall crime grade of A — one of the strongest safety ratings a city can receive. This grade reflects consistently low crime rates across both violent and property crime categories when measured against national and Iowa state benchmarks. With a population of approximately 43,879 residents and a population density of just 752 people per square mile, Urbandale's relatively spread-out suburban layout contributes to fewer crime opportunities compared to denser urban cores. The city's low poverty rate of 5.4% and median household income of $95,961 are also strongly correlated with reduced crime risk, as economic stability is one of the most reliable predictors of community safety.

Is Urbandale safe to live in?

By nearly every measurable standard, Urbandale ranks as a very safe place to live. The city's A crime grade places it well above average for U.S. cities of comparable size. Its unemployment rate of 3.9% — near full employment — and a poverty rate of just 5.4% help sustain the economic conditions that support public safety. Neighborhoods near Urbandale's parks, schools, and established residential corridors such as those around the Walnut Creek and Arbor Gate areas tend to see the lowest incident concentrations on the crime map. For families, professionals, and retirees, Urbandale consistently ranks among the safer suburban communities in the Des Moines metro area.

What types of crime are most common in Urbandale?

Like most suburban cities earning an A crime grade, Urbandale's incident reports are dominated by lower-severity property crimes rather than violent offenses. Property-related incidents — including petty theft, vehicle break-ins, and vandalism — account for the large majority of reported crimes, which is typical for communities with strong economic profiles like Urbandale's median household income of $95,961. Violent crimes such as assault represent a small fraction of total incidents and occur at rates well below national averages. The city's crime map shows that incidents are geographically dispersed rather than concentrated, meaning no single neighborhood bears a disproportionate share of criminal activity. Residents in areas like Westwind and surrounding subdivisions report a strong sense of day-to-day security.

How does Urbandale's crime rate compare to other Iowa cities?

Urbandale's A overall crime grade positions it favorably against most Iowa cities, including many larger communities in the Des Moines metropolitan area. Cities with higher population densities, higher poverty rates, and lower median incomes typically see significantly higher crime rates. Urbandale's 5.4% poverty rate and $95,961 median household income are among the strongest socioeconomic indicators in the region, and these figures directly correlate with its superior safety grade. When reviewing the crime map, users will notice that incident frequency in Urbandale is substantially lower per capita than in comparable Midwest suburban cities, reinforcing its standing as one of Iowa's safer communities.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Urbandale?

While Urbandale as a whole earns an A crime grade, certain neighborhoods stand out for particularly low incident rates based on crime map data. Established residential areas such as Arbor Gate, Westwind, and neighborhoods adjacent to Urbandale's network of parks and green spaces tend to show the fewest reported incidents. These communities benefit from active neighborhood associations, well-lit streets, and strong civic engagement — all factors that research consistently links to lower crime. The areas surrounding Urbandale's top-rated schools also reflect lower incident concentrations, making them especially attractive to families. Regardless of which neighborhood you choose, Urbandale's city-wide A grade means residents across the city enjoy above-average safety conditions.

Is Urbandale a good place to buy a home from a safety perspective?

From a safety standpoint, Urbandale presents a compelling case for homebuyers. The city's A crime grade signals low risk across crime categories, which directly supports property values and long-term investment security. With a median home value of $242,469 and median rent of $944, Urbandale offers a relatively affordable entry point for a city with this level of safety and economic strength. A median household income of $95,961 and unemployment rate of 3.9% further indicate a financially stable community where property crime risk — already low — is kept in check by strong economic conditions. For buyers weighing safety alongside affordability, Urbandale's combination of an A crime grade and mid-range home prices makes it one of the more attractive options in the Des Moines metro.