West Ridge Neighborhood, Waterloo

Crime Rate & Statistics

A-

Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 141 / 300 High
Violent Crime 163
63% above national avg
Property Crime 142
42% above national avg

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in Waterloo

Is West Ridge Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is safe. West Ridge in Waterloo, IA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average of 100.

Compared to the Waterloo average (crime index 134), West Ridge is 7% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.

Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 173, 73% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 97). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.

Highest Risk
Vehicle Theft · Index 173 (73% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Burglary · Index 97 (3% below avg)

West Ridge 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
159 +59% High
Assault
163 +63% High
Robbery
159 +59% High
Rape
169 +69% High
Property Crime
Burglary
97 -3% Average
Larceny / Theft
156 +56% High
Vehicle Theft
173 +73% High

How West Ridge Compares

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

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

West Ridge 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

See the crime score for a specific address

West Ridge Demographics & Context

Population
48
Median Income
$66,547
Home Value
$204,843
Median Age
43
Pop. Density
912/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 24.4%
Graduate Degree 18.9%

Housing

51%
49%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 79.7%
Black 11.4%
Hispanic 2.4%
Asian 3.3%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in West Ridge, Waterloo?

West Ridge in Waterloo, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average. Compared to the Waterloo average, crime in West Ridge is 7% higher.

Is West Ridge a safe neighborhood in Waterloo?

West Ridge is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Waterloo, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 173), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 97).

How does West Ridge compare to the rest of Waterloo?

West Ridge's overall crime index is 141, compared to the Waterloo average of 134. This means crime in West Ridge is 7% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 163, and for property crime it is 142. 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 Ridge?

The most prevalent crime type in West Ridge is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 173 (73% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near West Ridge?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Ridgeway Towers, Audubon, Park Haven and West Central. These areas are close to West Ridge and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of West Ridge?

West Ridge has a population of approximately 48. The median household income is $66,547. The median home value is $204,843. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does West Ridge crime compare to the national average?

West Ridge's overall crime rate is 41% above the national average (index 141 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.