Waterbury Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safer than 94% of neighborhoods in Des Moines
Safety at a Glance
Is Waterbury Safe?
Waterbury in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 113, which is 13% above the national average of 100. Waterbury is safer than 94% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Waterbury is 15% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 125, 25% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 63).
Overall, Waterbury 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.
Waterbury 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
|
125 | +25% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
76 | -24% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
63 | -37% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
63 | -37% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
76 | -24% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
108 | +8% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
93 | -7% | Average | |
How Waterbury Compares
Crime index by category: Waterbury vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Waterbury Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Waterbury Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Waterbury, Des Moines?
Waterbury in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 113, which is 13% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Waterbury is 15% lower. Waterbury is safer than 94% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Is Waterbury a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Waterbury is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Murder (index: 125), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 63). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Des Moines.
How does Waterbury compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Waterbury's overall crime index is 113, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Waterbury is 15% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 82, and for property crime it is 92. 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 Waterbury?
The most prevalent crime type in Waterbury is Murder, with a crime index of 125 (25% 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 Waterbury?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Westwood, Waveland Woods, Ingersoll Park and Waveland Park. These areas are close to Waterbury and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Waterbury?
Waterbury has a population of approximately 2,852. The median household income is $111,488. The median home value is $420,920. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Waterbury crime compare to the national average?
Waterbury's overall crime rate is 13% above the national average (index 113 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 94% 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.