Ponderosa Valley Neighborhood, West Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
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in West Des Moines
Is Ponderosa Valley Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Ponderosa Valley in West Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 3, which is 97% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the West Des Moines average (crime index 124), Ponderosa Valley is 121% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than West Des Moines as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 28, 72% below average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 3).
Ponderosa Valley Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and West Des Moines city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
4 | -96% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
3 | -97% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
20 | -80% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
9 | -91% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
3 | -97% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
24 | -76% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
28 | -72% | Low | |
How Ponderosa Valley Compares
Crime index by category: Ponderosa Valley vs West Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Ponderosa Valley Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Ponderosa Valley Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Ponderosa Valley, West Des Moines?
Ponderosa Valley in West Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 3, which is 97% below the national average. Compared to the West Des Moines average, crime in Ponderosa Valley is 121% lower.
Is Ponderosa Valley a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines?
Ponderosa Valley is generally considered a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 28), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 3).
How does Ponderosa Valley compare to the rest of West Des Moines?
Ponderosa Valley's overall crime index is 3, compared to the West Des Moines average of 124. This means crime in Ponderosa Valley is 121% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 9, and for property crime it is 18. 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 Ponderosa Valley?
The most prevalent crime type in Ponderosa Valley is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 28 (72% below 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 Ponderosa Valley?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Valley Junction. These areas are close to Ponderosa Valley and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Ponderosa Valley?
Ponderosa Valley has a population of approximately 409. The median household income is $219,699. The median home value is $410,718. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Ponderosa Valley crime compare to the national average?
Ponderosa Valley's overall crime rate is 97% below the national average (index 3 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.