Waveland Woods Neighborhood, Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 81% of neighborhoods in Des Moines

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 109 / 300 High
Violent Crime 70
30% below national avg
Property Crime 78
22% below national avg
City Ranking
81%
safer than other
Des Moines neighborhoods

Is Waveland Woods Safe?

Waveland Woods in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 109, which is 9% above the national average of 100. Waveland Woods is safer than 81% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Waveland Woods is 19% lower in overall crime.

Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 117, 17% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 28).

Overall, Waveland Woods 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
Murder · Index 117 (17% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Robbery · Index 28 (72% below avg)

Waveland Woods 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
105 +5% Moderate
Robbery
28 -72% Low
Rape
30 -70% Low
Property Crime
Burglary
64 -36% Low
Larceny / Theft
109 +9% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
62 -38% Low

How Waveland Woods Compares

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

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Waveland Woods 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 Woods Demographics & Context

Population
954
Median Income
$93,910
Home Value
$244,109
Median Age
42
Pop. Density
3,501/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 42.2%
Graduate Degree 8.5%

Housing

89%
11%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 90.6%
Black 2.1%
Hispanic 5.1%
Asian 1.9%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Waterbury Index: 113
A+
Waveland Park Index: 119
A
Ingersoll Park Index: 47
A+
Westwood Index: 66
A+
North of Grand Index: 156
A-
Linden Heights Index: 65
A+
Salisbury Oaks Index: 79
A+
Drake Index: 137
B+
Waveland Woods 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 Woods, Des Moines?

Waveland Woods in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 109, which is 9% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Waveland Woods is 19% lower. Waveland Woods is safer than 81% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Is Waveland Woods a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

Waveland Woods is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Murder (index: 117), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 28).

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

Waveland Woods's overall crime index is 109, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Waveland Woods is 19% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 70, and for property crime it is 78. 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 Woods?

The most prevalent crime type in Waveland Woods is Murder, with a crime index of 117 (17% 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 Woods?

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

What are the demographics of Waveland Woods?

Waveland Woods has a population of approximately 954. The median household income is $93,910. The median home value is $244,109. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Waveland Woods crime compare to the national average?

Waveland Woods's overall crime rate is 9% above the national average (index 109 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 81% 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.