Watrous Heights Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 85% of neighborhoods in Des Moines
Safety at a Glance
Is Watrous Heights Safe?
Watrous Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 78, which is 22% below the national average of 100. Watrous Heights is safer than 85% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Watrous Heights is 50% 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: 113, 13% above average), while murder is the lowest risk (index: 78).
Overall, Watrous Heights 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.
Watrous Heights 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
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
84 | -16% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
112 | +12% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
105 | +5% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
101 | +1% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
113 | +13% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
97 | -3% | Average | |
How Watrous Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Watrous Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Watrous Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Watrous Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Watrous Heights, Des Moines?
Watrous Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 78, which is 22% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Watrous Heights is 50% lower. Watrous Heights is safer than 85% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Is Watrous Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Watrous Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 113), while Murder is the lowest risk (index: 78).
How does Watrous Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Watrous Heights's overall crime index is 78, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Watrous Heights is 50% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 95, 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 Watrous Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Watrous Heights is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 113 (13% 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 Watrous Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Magnolia Park, Fort Des Moines, Watrous South and South Park. These areas are close to Watrous Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Watrous Heights?
Watrous Heights has a population of approximately 2,722. The median household income is $69,686. The median home value is $157,734. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Watrous Heights crime compare to the national average?
Watrous Heights's overall crime rate is 22% below the national average (index 78 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 85% 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.