West Central Neighborhood, Waterloo

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 72% of neighborhoods in Waterloo

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Low
Low 67 / 300 High
Violent Crime 63
37% below national avg
Property Crime 120
20% above national avg
City Ranking
72%
safer than other
Waterloo neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Waterloo

Is West Central Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. West Central in Waterloo, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 67, which is 33% below the national average of 100. West Central is safer than 72% of neighborhoods in Waterloo.

Compared to the Waterloo average (crime index 134), West Central is 67% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Waterloo as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 153, 53% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 24). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 153 (53% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Rape · Index 24 (76% below avg)

West Central Crime Breakdown

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

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
50 -50% Low
Assault
100 0% Average
Robbery
78 -22% Low
Rape
24 -76% Low
Property Crime
Burglary
97 -3% Average
Larceny / Theft
153 +53% High
Vehicle Theft
111 +11% Moderate

How West Central Compares

Crime index by category: West Central vs Waterloo average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

West Central 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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West Central Demographics & Context

Population
948
Median Income
$45,613
Home Value
$108,747
Median Age
33
Pop. Density
5,082/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 17.1%
Graduate Degree 2.9%

Housing

69%
31%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 75%
Black 14.8%
Hispanic 8.1%
Asian 1%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Liberty Park Index: 77
A
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Index: 119
A-
Church Row Index: 173
B-
Neighbors Who Care Index: 110
A
Doe Index: 162
B
Ridgeway Towers Index: 123
A
Park Haven Index: 58
A
Hurst Index: 186
B
West Central Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Waterloo Crime Statistics
View all Waterloo neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in West Central, Waterloo?

West Central in Waterloo, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 67, which is 33% below the national average. Compared to the Waterloo average, crime in West Central is 67% lower. West Central is safer than 72% of neighborhoods in Waterloo.

Is West Central a safe neighborhood in Waterloo?

West Central is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Waterloo, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 153), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 24).

How does West Central compare to the rest of Waterloo?

West Central's overall crime index is 67, compared to the Waterloo average of 134. This means crime in West Central is 67% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 63, and for property crime it is 120. 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 West Central?

The most prevalent crime type in West Central is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 153 (53% 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 West Central?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Liberty Park, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Church Row and Neighbors Who Care. These areas are close to West Central and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of West Central?

West Central has a population of approximately 948. The median household income is $45,613. The median home value is $108,747. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does West Central crime compare to the national average?

West Central's overall crime rate is 33% below the national average (index 67 vs 100). Within Waterloo, it is safer than 72% 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 April 2026.