Grays Woods Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
Is Grays Woods Safe?
Grays Woods in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 127, which is 27% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Grays Woods is 1% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 155, 55% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 38). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Overall, Grays Woods is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.
Grays 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
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
64 | -36% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
100 | 0% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
38 | -62% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
137 | +37% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
155 | +55% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
123 | +23% | Moderate | |
How Grays Woods Compares
Crime index by category: Grays Woods vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Grays Woods Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Grays Woods Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Grays Woods, Des Moines?
Grays Woods in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 127, which is 27% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Grays Woods is 1% lower.
Is Grays Woods a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Grays Woods is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 155), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 38).
How does Grays Woods compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Grays Woods's overall crime index is 127, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Grays Woods is 1% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 75, and for property crime it is 138. 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 Grays Woods?
The most prevalent crime type in Grays Woods is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 155 (55% 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 Grays Woods?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Gray's Woods, Valley High Manor, Accent and Fairground. These areas are close to Grays Woods and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Grays Woods?
Grays Woods has a population of approximately 664. The median household income is $49,704. The median home value is $133,401. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Grays Woods crime compare to the national average?
Grays Woods's overall crime rate is 27% above the national average (index 127 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 March 2026.