Bel Aire West Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Bel Aire West Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Bel Aire West in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 87, which is 13% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Bel Aire West is 41% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Des Moines as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 158, 58% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 26). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Bel Aire West Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Des Moines city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
118 | +18% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
56 | -44% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
81 | -19% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
158 | +58% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
26 | -74% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
139 | +39% | Moderate | |
How Bel Aire West Compares
Crime index by category: Bel Aire West vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Bel Aire West Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Bel Aire West Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Bel Aire West, Des Moines?
Bel Aire West in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 87, which is 13% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Bel Aire West is 41% lower.
Is Bel Aire West a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Bel Aire West is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Rape (index: 158), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 26).
How does Bel Aire West compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Bel Aire West's overall crime index is 87, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Bel Aire West is 41% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 103, and for property crime it is 81. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Bel Aire West?
The most prevalent crime type in Bel Aire West is Rape, with a crime index of 158 (58% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Bel Aire West?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Lower Beaver, Beaverdale, Merle Hay and Prospect Park. These areas are close to Bel Aire West and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Bel Aire West?
Bel Aire West has a population of approximately 602. The median household income is $110,863. The median home value is $290,776. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Bel Aire West crime compare to the national average?
Bel Aire West's overall crime rate is 13% below the national average (index 87 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.