Southwestern Hills Neighborhood, Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 65% of neighborhoods in Des Moines

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Average
Low 81 / 300 High
Violent Crime 116
16% above national avg
Property Crime 104
4% above national avg
City Ranking
65%
safer than other
Des Moines neighborhoods

Is Southwestern Hills Safe?

Southwestern Hills in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 81, which is 19% below the national average of 100. Southwestern Hills is safer than 65% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Southwestern Hills is 47% 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: 149, 49% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 76).

Overall, Southwestern Hills 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.

Highest Risk
Robbery · Index 149 (49% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Burglary · Index 76 (24% below avg)

Southwestern Hills 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
97 -3% Average
Assault
81 -19% Average
Robbery
149 +49% Moderate
Rape
137 +37% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
76 -24% Low
Larceny / Theft
117 +17% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
118 +18% Moderate

How Southwestern Hills Compares

Crime index by category: Southwestern Hills vs Des Moines average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Southwestern Hills Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

Southwestern Hills Demographics & Context

Population
6,109
Median Income
$86,891
Home Value
$339,028
Median Age
39
Pop. Density
873/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 29.3%
Graduate Degree 15.5%

Housing

57%
43%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 82.5%
Black 8.9%
Hispanic 5.3%
Asian 3.1%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Linden Heights Index: 65
A+
Salisbury Oaks Index: 79
A+
Watrous South Index: 124
A
Greenwood Historic Index: 90
A+
Westwood Index: 66
A+
Gray's Lake Index: 125
A
Watrous Heights Index: 78
A
Ingersoll Park Index: 47
A+
Southwestern Hills Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Des Moines Crime Statistics
View all Des Moines neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Southwestern Hills, Des Moines?

Southwestern Hills in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 81, which is 19% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Southwestern Hills is 47% lower. Southwestern Hills is safer than 65% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Is Southwestern Hills a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

Southwestern Hills is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 149), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 76).

How does Southwestern Hills compare to the rest of Des Moines?

Southwestern Hills's overall crime index is 81, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Southwestern Hills is 47% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 116, and for property crime it is 104. 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 Southwestern Hills?

The most prevalent crime type in Southwestern Hills is Robbery, with a crime index of 149 (49% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Southwestern Hills?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Linden Heights, Salisbury Oaks, Watrous South and Greenwood Historic. These areas are close to Southwestern Hills and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Southwestern Hills?

Southwestern Hills has a population of approximately 6,109. The median household income is $86,891. The median home value is $339,028. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Southwestern Hills crime compare to the national average?

Southwestern Hills's overall crime rate is 19% below the national average (index 81 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 65% 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.