West Des Moines, IA Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 91% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated March 2026
Is West Des Moines Safe?
West Des Moines has a crime rate that is 48% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 496.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Valley Junction earn an A safety grade, while Valley Junction rates A. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting West Des Moines.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 496
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
47% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 70
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
22% lower than national average
West Des Moines Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
64 | -36% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
55 | -45% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
55 | -45% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
28 | -72% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
61 | -39% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
77 | -23% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
57 | -43% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
West Des Moines Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
Where Is It Safe in West Des Moines?
Safety varies dramatically across West Des Moines's 1+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 1Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 1Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 1 neighborhoods in West Des Moines
All West Des Moines Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valley Junction | A | 124 |
West Des Moines Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific West Des Moines zip codes.
West Des Moines Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in West Des Moines, IA?
West Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 48% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 496 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 70 chance for property crime. West Des Moines has lower crime than 91% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is West Des Moines, IA safe to live in?
West Des Moines is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of A-. Approximately 100% of the city's 1 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Valley Junction is one of the safest areas, while Valley Junction has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting West Des Moines is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in West Des Moines?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in West Des Moines are Valley Junction. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in West Des Moines?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in West Des Moines include Valley Junction. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in West Des Moines?
The estimated violent crime rate in West Des Moines is 201.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 47% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 496 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.2 per 100K (36% below average); aggravated assault at 148.1 per 100K (45% below average); robbery at 40.8 per 100K (45% below average).
What is the property crime rate in West Des Moines?
The estimated property crime rate in West Des Moines is 1,428.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 22% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 70 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 164.2 per 100K (39% below average); larceny/theft at 1,081.5 per 100K (23% below average); vehicle theft at 182.8 per 100K (43% below average).
How does West Des Moines crime compare to the national average?
West Des Moines's overall crime rate is 48% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (23% below average), while rape is 72% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, West Des Moines has lower crime than 91% of them.
Is West Des Moines safe to visit?
West Des Moines is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 22% below average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Valley Junction.
How does West Des Moines crime compare to the rest of Iowa?
Iowa as a whole has crime that is 14% above the national average. West Des Moines's crime rate is 48% below the national average, making it safer the typical Iowa city.
What type of crime is most common in West Des Moines?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in West Des Moines, with an estimated rate of 1,081.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 23% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,429 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (202 per 100K) in West Des Moines, which is consistent with national trends.