West University Place 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 West University Place Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. West University Place in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 147, which is 47% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), West University Place is 19% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 169, 69% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 87). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
West University Place 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
|
157 | +57% | High | |
|
Assault
|
153 | +53% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
169 | +69% | High | |
|
Rape
|
163 | +63% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
87 | -13% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
150 | +50% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
165 | +65% | High | |
How West University Place Compares
Crime index by category: West University Place vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
West University Place Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
West University Place Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in West University Place, Des Moines?
West University Place in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 147, which is 47% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in West University Place is 19% higher.
Is West University Place a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
West University Place is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 169), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 87).
How does West University Place compare to the rest of Des Moines?
West University Place's overall crime index is 147, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in West University Place is 19% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 161, and for property crime it is 134. 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 West University Place?
The most prevalent crime type in West University Place is Robbery, with a crime index of 169 (69% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near West University Place?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Drake, Waveland Park, Beaverdale and North of Grand. These areas are close to West University Place and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of West University Place?
West University Place has a population of approximately 176. The median household income is $86,184. The median home value is $209,596. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does West University Place crime compare to the national average?
West University Place's overall crime rate is 47% above the national average (index 147 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.