Watrous Park 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 Watrous Park Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Watrous Park in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 101, which is 1% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Watrous Park is 27% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 142, 42% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 87).
Watrous Park 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
|
95 | -5% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
137 | +37% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
111 | +11% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
87 | -13% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
142 | +42% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
111 | +11% | Moderate | |
How Watrous Park Compares
Crime index by category: Watrous Park vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Watrous Park Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Watrous Park Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Watrous Park, Des Moines?
Watrous Park in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 101, which is 1% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Watrous Park is 27% lower.
Is Watrous Park a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Watrous Park is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 142), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 87).
How does Watrous Park compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Watrous Park's overall crime index is 101, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Watrous Park is 27% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 116, and for property crime it is 113. 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 Park?
The most prevalent crime type in Watrous Park is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 142 (42% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Watrous Park?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Watrous Heights, Gray's Lake, Magnolia Park and Watrous South. These areas are close to Watrous Park and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Watrous Park?
Watrous Park has a population of approximately 291. The median household income is $62,500. The median home value is $158,750. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Watrous Park crime compare to the national average?
Watrous Park's overall crime rate is 1% above the national average (index 101 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.