Ways Highland Gardens 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 Ways Highland Gardens Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Ways Highland Gardens in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 123, which is 23% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Ways Highland Gardens is 5% 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: 131, 31% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 13).
Ways Highland Gardens 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
|
131 | +31% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
117 | +17% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
13 | -87% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
14 | -86% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
51 | -49% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
92 | -8% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
81 | -19% | Average | |
How Ways Highland Gardens Compares
Crime index by category: Ways Highland Gardens vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Ways Highland Gardens Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Ways Highland Gardens Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Ways Highland Gardens, Des Moines?
Ways Highland Gardens in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 123, which is 23% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Ways Highland Gardens is 5% lower.
Is Ways Highland Gardens a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Ways Highland Gardens is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Murder (index: 131), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 13).
How does Ways Highland Gardens compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Ways Highland Gardens's overall crime index is 123, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Ways Highland Gardens is 5% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 69, and for property crime it is 75. 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 Ways Highland Gardens?
The most prevalent crime type in Ways Highland Gardens is Murder, with a crime index of 131 (31% 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 Ways Highland Gardens?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Beaverdale, Lower Beaver, Prospect Park and Merle Hay. These areas are close to Ways Highland Gardens and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Ways Highland Gardens?
Ways Highland Gardens has a population of approximately 258. The median household income is $75,461. The median home value is $188,587. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Ways Highland Gardens crime compare to the national average?
Ways Highland Gardens's overall crime rate is 23% above the national average (index 123 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.