Willoughby Acres Neighborhood, Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

A+

One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Low

Low 39 / 300 High

Violent Crime 54

46% below national avg

Property Crime 106

6% above national avg

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in Des Moines

Is Willoughby Acres Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Willoughby Acres in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 39, which is 61% below the national average of 100.

Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Willoughby Acres is 89% 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, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 142, 42% above average), while murder is the lowest risk (index: 31). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk

Burglary · Index 142 (42% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Murder · Index 31 (69% below avg)

Willoughby Acres Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Des Moines city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Des Moines	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	31	-69%	-94%	Low
Assault	38	-62%	-79%	Low
Robbery	76	-24%	-38%	Low
Rape	69	-31%	N/A	Low
Property Crime
Burglary	142	+42%	+18%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	93	-7%	-46%	Average
Vehicle Theft	84	-16%	-45%	Average

How Willoughby Acres Compares

Crime index by category: Willoughby Acres vs Des Moines average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Willoughby Acres 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

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Willoughby Acres Demographics & Context

Population

126

Median Income

$80,789

Home Value

$178,679

Median Age

Pop. Density

4,371/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 18.4%

Graduate Degree 5.7%

Housing

85%

15%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 80.4%

Black 8%

Hispanic 8.2%

Asian 3.1%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Fairmont Park Index: 120

Accent Index: 122

Douglas Acres Index: 148

A-

Martin Luther King Jr. Park Index: 158

C-

Sheridan Gardens Index: 108

Fairground Index: 125

Gray's Woods Index: 112

Union Park Index: 97

A-

Willoughby Acres 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 Willoughby Acres, Des Moines?

Willoughby Acres in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 39, which is 61% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Willoughby Acres is 89% lower.

Is Willoughby Acres a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?

Willoughby Acres is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 142), while Murder is the lowest risk (index: 31).

How does Willoughby Acres compare to the rest of Des Moines?

Willoughby Acres's overall crime index is 39, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Willoughby Acres is 89% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 54, and for property crime it is 106. 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 Willoughby Acres?

The most prevalent crime type in Willoughby Acres is Burglary, with a crime index of 142 (42% 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 Willoughby Acres?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Fairmont Park, Accent, Douglas Acres and Sheridan Gardens. These areas are close to Willoughby Acres and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Willoughby Acres?

Willoughby Acres has a population of approximately 126. The median household income is $80,789. The median home value is $178,679. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Willoughby Acres crime compare to the national average?

Willoughby Acres's overall crime rate is 61% below the national average (index 39 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.