Waveland Heights Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Waveland Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Waveland Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 121, which is 21% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Waveland Heights is 7% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 123, 23% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 38).
Waveland 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
|
123 | +23% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
79 | -21% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
47 | -53% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
38 | -62% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
61 | -39% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
105 | +5% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
66 | -34% | Low | |
How Waveland Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Waveland Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Waveland Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Waveland Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Waveland Heights, Des Moines?
Waveland Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 121, which is 21% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Waveland Heights is 7% lower.
Is Waveland Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Waveland Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Murder (index: 123), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 38).
How does Waveland Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Waveland Heights's overall crime index is 121, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Waveland Heights is 7% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 72, and for property crime it is 77. 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 Waveland Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Waveland Heights is Murder, with a crime index of 123 (23% 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 Waveland Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Waveland Park, Drake, Waveland Woods and Ingersoll Park. These areas are close to Waveland Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Waveland Heights?
Waveland Heights has a population of approximately 118. The median household income is $98,368. The median home value is $217,828. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Waveland Heights crime compare to the national average?
Waveland Heights's overall crime rate is 21% above the national average (index 121 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.