River Woods Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 38% of neighborhoods in Des Moines
Safety at a Glance
Is River Woods Safe?
River Woods 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. River Woods is safer than 38% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), River Woods 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, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 149, 49% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 57). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Overall, River 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.
River 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
|
114 | +14% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
57 | -43% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
129 | +29% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
83 | -17% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
102 | +2% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
149 | +49% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
137 | +37% | Moderate | |
How River Woods Compares
Crime index by category: River Woods vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
River Woods Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
River Woods Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in River Woods, Des Moines?
River Woods 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 River Woods is 41% lower. River Woods is safer than 38% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Is River Woods a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
River Woods is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 149), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 57).
How does River Woods compare to the rest of Des Moines?
River Woods's overall crime index is 87, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in River Woods is 41% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 96, and for property crime it is 129. 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 River Woods?
The most prevalent crime type in River Woods is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 149 (49% 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 River Woods?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Pioneer Park, Easter Lake Area, South Park and Indianola Hills. These areas are close to River Woods and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of River Woods?
River Woods has a population of approximately 1,258. The median household income is $84,665. The median home value is $231,792. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does River Woods crime compare to the national average?
River Woods's overall crime rate is 13% below the national average (index 87 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 38% of neighborhoods. 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.