Waveland Hills 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 Waveland Hills Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Waveland Hills in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 110, which is 10% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Waveland Hills is 18% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 118, 18% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 28).
Waveland Hills 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
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
28 | -72% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
30 | -70% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
64 | -36% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
110 | +10% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
62 | -38% | Low | |
How Waveland Hills Compares
Crime index by category: Waveland Hills vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Waveland Hills 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 Hills Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Waveland Hills, Des Moines?
Waveland Hills in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 110, which is 10% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Waveland Hills is 18% lower.
Is Waveland Hills a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Waveland Hills is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Murder (index: 118), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 28).
How does Waveland Hills compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Waveland Hills's overall crime index is 110, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Waveland Hills is 18% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 71, and for property crime it is 79. 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 Hills?
The most prevalent crime type in Waveland Hills is Murder, with a crime index of 118 (18% 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 Hills?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Waveland Woods, Waterbury, Waveland Park and Ingersoll Park. These areas are close to Waveland Hills and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Waveland Hills?
Waveland Hills has a population of approximately 94. The median household income is $93,841. The median home value is $330,000. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Waveland Hills crime compare to the national average?
Waveland Hills's overall crime rate is 10% above the national average (index 110 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.