Wood Side Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Good safety — crime rates are below the national average
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is Wood Side Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. Wood Side in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 148, which is 48% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Wood Side is 20% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 165, 65% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 104).
Wood Side 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
|
129 | +29% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
104 | +4% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
111 | +11% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
109 | +9% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
165 | +65% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
118 | +18% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
112 | +12% | Moderate | |
How Wood Side Compares
Crime index by category: Wood Side vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Wood Side Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Wood Side Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Wood Side, Des Moines?
Wood Side in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 148, which is 48% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Wood Side is 20% higher.
Is Wood Side a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Wood Side is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 165), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 104).
How does Wood Side compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Wood Side's overall crime index is 148, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Wood Side is 20% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 113, and for property crime it is 132. 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 Wood Side?
The most prevalent crime type in Wood Side is Burglary, with a crime index of 165 (65% 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 Wood Side?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Cheatom Park, Mondamin Presidential and Sherman Hill. These areas are close to Wood Side and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Wood Side?
Wood Side has a population of approximately 43. The median household income is $42,373. The median home value is $91,341. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Wood Side crime compare to the national average?
Wood Side's overall crime rate is 48% above the national average (index 148 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.