Woodland Heights Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Good safety — crime rates are below the national average
Safer than 25% of neighborhoods in Des Moines
Safety at a Glance
Is Woodland Heights Safe?
Woodland Heights in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 171, which is 71% above the national average of 100. Woodland Heights is safer than 25% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Woodland Heights is 43% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 182, 82% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 99). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Overall, Woodland Heights 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.
Woodland Heights 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
|
160 | +60% | High | |
|
Assault
|
161 | +61% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
167 | +67% | High | |
|
Rape
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
166 | +66% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
182 | +82% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
164 | +64% | High | |
How Woodland Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Woodland Heights vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Woodland Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Woodland Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Woodland Heights, Des Moines?
Woodland Heights in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 171, which is 71% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Woodland Heights is 43% higher. Woodland Heights is safer than 25% of neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Is Woodland Heights a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Woodland Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 182), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 99).
How does Woodland Heights compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Woodland Heights's overall crime index is 171, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Woodland Heights is 43% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 147, and for property crime it is 171. 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 Woodland Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Woodland Heights is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 182 (82% 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 Woodland Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Sherman Hill, North of Grand, Greenwood Historic and Drake. These areas are close to Woodland Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Woodland Heights?
Woodland Heights has a population of approximately 2,533. The median household income is $40,032. The median home value is $184,918. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Woodland Heights crime compare to the national average?
Woodland Heights's overall crime rate is 71% above the national average (index 171 vs 100). Within Des Moines, it is safer than 25% 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.