Westwood Neighborhood, Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

A+

One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime

Safer than 88% of neighborhoods in Des Moines

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Low
Low 66 / 300 High
Violent Crime 56
44% below national avg
Property Crime 94
6% below national avg
City Ranking
88%
safer than other
Des Moines neighborhoods

Is Westwood Safe?

Westwood in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 66, which is 34% below the national average of 100. Westwood is safer than 88% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Westwood is 62% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Des Moines as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 118, 18% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 27). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Overall, Westwood 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
Larceny / Theft · Index 118 (18% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Rape · Index 27 (73% below avg)

Westwood 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
91 -9% Average
Assault
55 -45% Low
Robbery
49 -51% Low
Rape
27 -73% Low
Property Crime
Burglary
59 -41% Low
Larceny / Theft
118 +18% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
104 +4% Moderate

How Westwood Compares

Crime index by category: Westwood vs Des Moines average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Westwood 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

Westwood Demographics & Context

Population
1,566
Median Income
$106,895
Home Value
$425,492
Median Age
42
Pop. Density
1,993/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 46.6%
Graduate Degree 24%

Housing

71%
29%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 89.1%
Black 2.9%
Hispanic 3.7%
Asian 2.1%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Waterbury Index: 113
A+
Linden Heights Index: 65
A+
Salisbury Oaks Index: 79
A+
Ingersoll Park Index: 47
A+
Greenwood Historic Index: 90
A+
Waveland Woods Index: 109
A
North of Grand Index: 156
A-
Waveland Park Index: 119
A
Westwood 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 Westwood, Des Moines?

Westwood in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 66, which is 34% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Westwood is 62% lower. Westwood is safer than 88% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.

Is Westwood a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

Westwood is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 118), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 27).

How does Westwood compare to the rest of Des Moines?

Westwood's overall crime index is 66, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Westwood is 62% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 56, and for property crime it is 94. 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 Westwood?

The most prevalent crime type in Westwood is Larceny / Theft, 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 Westwood?

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

What are the demographics of Westwood?

Westwood has a population of approximately 1,566. The median household income is $106,895. The median home value is $425,492. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Westwood crime compare to the national average?

Westwood's overall crime rate is 34% below the national average (index 66 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 88% 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.