Watrous South Neighborhood, Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 60% of neighborhoods in Des Moines

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 124 / 300 High
Violent Crime 126
26% above national avg
Property Crime 127
27% above national avg
City Ranking
60%
safer than other
Des Moines neighborhoods

Is Watrous South Safe?

Watrous South in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 124, which is 24% above the national average of 100. Watrous South is safer than 60% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Watrous South is 4% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.

Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 132, 32% above average), while vehicle theft is the lowest risk (index: 117).

Overall, Watrous South 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
Rape · Index 132 (32% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Vehicle Theft · Index 117 (17% above avg)

Watrous South 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
118 +18% Moderate
Assault
131 +31% Moderate
Robbery
121 +21% Moderate
Rape
132 +32% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
132 +32% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
131 +31% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
117 +17% Moderate

How Watrous South Compares

Crime index by category: Watrous South vs Des Moines average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Watrous South 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

Watrous South Demographics & Context

Population
6,271
Median Income
$65,973
Home Value
$176,442
Median Age
41
Pop. Density
4,181/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 14%
Graduate Degree 4.8%

Housing

69%
31%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 85%
Black 5%
Hispanic 7.7%
Asian 3.4%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Fort Des Moines Index: 119
A-
Watrous Heights Index: 78
A
Magnolia Park Index: 97
A
Somerset Index: 166
B+
South Park Index: 171
B+
Gray's Lake Index: 125
A
Southwestern Hills Index: 81
A
Indianola Hills Index: 154
A
Watrous South 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 Watrous South, Des Moines?

Watrous South in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 124, which is 24% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Watrous South is 4% lower. Watrous South is safer than 60% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Is Watrous South a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

Watrous South is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Rape (index: 132), while Vehicle Theft is the lowest risk (index: 117).

How does Watrous South compare to the rest of Des Moines?

Watrous South's overall crime index is 124, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Watrous South is 4% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 126, and for property crime it is 127. 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 South?

The most prevalent crime type in Watrous South is Rape, with a crime index of 132 (32% 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 South?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Fort Des Moines, Watrous Heights, Magnolia Park and Somerset. These areas are close to Watrous South and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Watrous South?

Watrous South has a population of approximately 6,271. The median household income is $65,973. The median home value is $176,442. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Watrous South crime compare to the national average?

Watrous South's overall crime rate is 24% above the national average (index 124 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 60% 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.