Waveland Park Neighborhood, Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 83% of neighborhoods in Des Moines

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 119 / 300 High
Violent Crime 92
8% below national avg
Property Crime 109
9% above national avg
City Ranking
83%
safer than other
Des Moines neighborhoods

Is Waveland Park Safe?

Waveland Park in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 119, which is 19% above the national average of 100. Waveland Park is safer than 83% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Waveland Park is 9% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.

Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 120, 20% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 59).

Overall, Waveland Park 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
Assault · Index 120 (20% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Robbery · Index 59 (41% below avg)

Waveland 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
117 +17% Moderate
Assault
120 +20% Moderate
Robbery
59 -41% Low
Rape
71 -29% Low
Property Crime
Burglary
107 +7% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
116 +16% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
104 +4% Moderate

How Waveland Park Compares

Crime index by category: Waveland Park vs Des Moines average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Waveland Park 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

Waveland Park Demographics & Context

Population
3,287
Median Income
$86,631
Home Value
$247,576
Median Age
40
Pop. Density
2,684/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 37.2%
Graduate Degree 17.8%

Housing

76%
24%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 90.8%
Black 3.8%
Hispanic 3.2%
Asian 1.3%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Waveland Woods Index: 109
A
Ingersoll Park Index: 47
A+
Waterbury Index: 113
A+
Drake Index: 137
B+
North of Grand Index: 156
A-
Westwood Index: 66
A+
Merle Hay Index: 97
A
Beaverdale Index: 102
A
Waveland Park 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 Waveland Park, Des Moines?

Waveland Park in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 119, which is 19% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Waveland Park is 9% lower. Waveland Park is safer than 83% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Is Waveland Park a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

Waveland Park is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 120), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 59).

How does Waveland Park compare to the rest of Des Moines?

Waveland Park's overall crime index is 119, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Waveland Park is 9% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 92, and for property crime it is 109. 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 Park?

The most prevalent crime type in Waveland Park is Assault, with a crime index of 120 (20% 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 Park?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Waveland Woods, Ingersoll Park, Waterbury and Drake. These areas are close to Waveland Park and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Waveland Park?

Waveland Park has a population of approximately 3,287. The median household income is $86,631. The median home value is $247,576. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Waveland Park crime compare to the national average?

Waveland Park's overall crime rate is 19% above the national average (index 119 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 83% 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.