Southern Woods 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 Southern Woods Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Southern Woods in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 56, which is 44% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Southern Woods is 72% 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, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 152, 52% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 68).
Southern 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
|
77 | -23% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
68 | -32% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
152 | +52% | High | |
|
Rape
|
144 | +44% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
68 | -32% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
How Southern Woods Compares
Crime index by category: Southern Woods vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Southern 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
Southern Woods Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Southern Woods, Des Moines?
Southern Woods in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 56, which is 44% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Southern Woods is 72% lower.
Is Southern Woods a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Southern Woods is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 152), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 68).
How does Southern Woods compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Southern Woods's overall crime index is 56, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Southern Woods is 72% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 110, and for property crime it is 98. 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 Southern Woods?
The most prevalent crime type in Southern Woods is Robbery, with a crime index of 152 (52% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Southern Woods?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Southwestern Hills, Linden Heights, Salisbury Oaks and Greenwood Historic. These areas are close to Southern Woods and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Southern Woods?
Southern Woods has a population of approximately 73. The median household income is $96,812. The median home value is $429,250. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Southern Woods crime compare to the national average?
Southern Woods's overall crime rate is 44% below the national average (index 56 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.