Woods Park Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Des Moines
Is Woods Park Safe?
Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. Woods Park in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of C+. The overall crime index is 190, which is 90% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), Woods Park is 62% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 194, 94% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 136).
Woods Park 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
|
193 | +93% | High | |
|
Assault
|
186 | +86% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
186 | +86% | High | |
|
Rape
|
194 | +94% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
136 | +36% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
184 | +84% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
193 | +93% | High | |
How Woods Park Compares
Crime index by category: Woods Park vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Woods Park Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Woods Park Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Woods Park, Des Moines?
Woods Park in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 190, which is 90% above the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in Woods Park is 62% higher.
Is Woods Park a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
Woods Park has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Rape (index: 194), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 136).
How does Woods Park compare to the rest of Des Moines?
Woods Park's overall crime index is 190, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in Woods Park is 62% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 190, 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 Woods Park?
The most prevalent crime type in Woods Park is Rape, with a crime index of 194 (94% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Woods Park?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Pioneer Park, River Woods, Indianola Hills and McKinley School / Columbus Park. These areas are close to Woods Park and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Woods Park?
Woods Park has a population of approximately 197. The median household income is $53,665. The median home value is $198,065. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Woods Park crime compare to the national average?
Woods Park's overall crime rate is 90% above the national average (index 190 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.