Whitcomb Neighborhood, Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

A+

One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 124 / 300 High
Violent Crime 70
30% below national avg
Property Crime 75
25% below national avg

Check a specific address

in Des Moines

Is Whitcomb Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Whitcomb in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 124, which is 24% above the national average of 100.

Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Whitcomb is 4% 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: 128, 28% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 35).

Highest Risk
Murder · Index 128 (28% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Rape · Index 35 (65% below avg)

Whitcomb 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
128 +28% Moderate
Assault
76 -24% Low
Robbery
40 -60% Low
Rape
35 -65% Low
Property Crime
Burglary
60 -40% Low
Larceny / Theft
103 +3% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
62 -38% Low

How Whitcomb Compares

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

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Whitcomb 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

See the crime score for a specific address

Whitcomb Demographics & Context

Population
54
Median Income
$102,258
Home Value
$215,231
Median Age
38
Pop. Density
6,938/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 37.8%
Graduate Degree 10.6%

Housing

81%
19%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 93.5%
Black 3.4%
Hispanic 3.3%
Asian 1.5%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Whitcomb, Des Moines?

Whitcomb in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 124, which is 24% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Whitcomb is 4% lower.

Is Whitcomb a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

Whitcomb is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Murder (index: 128), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 35).

How does Whitcomb compare to the rest of Des Moines?

Whitcomb's overall crime index is 124, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Whitcomb is 4% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 70, 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 Whitcomb?

The most prevalent crime type in Whitcomb is Murder, with a crime index of 128 (28% 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 Whitcomb?

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

What are the demographics of Whitcomb?

Whitcomb has a population of approximately 54. The median household income is $102,258. The median home value is $215,231. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Whitcomb crime compare to the national average?

Whitcomb's overall crime rate is 24% above the national average (index 124 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.