Clarkson Woods Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Good safety — crime rates are below the national average
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Clarkson Woods Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. Clarkson Woods in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 163, which is 63% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Clarkson Woods is 35% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 178, 78% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 121). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Clarkson Woods 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
|
165 | +65% | High | |
|
Assault
|
121 | +21% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
172 | +72% | High | |
|
Rape
|
130 | +30% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
166 | +66% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
178 | +78% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
161 | +61% | High | |
How Clarkson Woods Compares
Crime index by category: Clarkson Woods vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Clarkson Woods Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Clarkson Woods Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Clarkson Woods, Des Moines?
Clarkson Woods in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 163, which is 63% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Clarkson Woods is 35% higher.
Is Clarkson Woods a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Clarkson Woods is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 178), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 121).
How does Clarkson Woods compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Clarkson Woods's overall crime index is 163, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Clarkson Woods is 35% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 147, and for property crime it is 168. 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 Clarkson Woods?
The most prevalent crime type in Clarkson Woods is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 178 (78% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Clarkson Woods?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Prospect Park, Lower Beaver, Oak Park and Beaverdale. These areas are close to Clarkson Woods and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Clarkson Woods?
Clarkson Woods has a population of approximately 14. The median household income is $50,862. The median home value is $140,000. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Clarkson Woods crime compare to the national average?
Clarkson Woods's overall crime rate is 63% above the national average (index 163 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.