Southwood East Neighborhood, West Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
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in West Des Moines
Is Southwood East Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Southwood East in West Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 65, which is 35% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the West Des Moines average (crime index 124), Southwood East is 59% 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: 112, 12% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 24). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Southwood East 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
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
58 | -42% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
32 | -68% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
24 | -76% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
47 | -53% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
79 | -21% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
112 | +12% | Moderate | |
How Southwood East Compares
Crime index by category: Southwood East vs West Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Southwood East Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Southwood East Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Southwood East, West Des Moines?
Southwood East in West Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 65, which is 35% below the national average. Compared to the West Des Moines average, crime in Southwood East is 59% lower.
Is Southwood East a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines?
Southwood East is generally considered a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 112), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 24).
How does Southwood East compare to the rest of West Des Moines?
Southwood East's overall crime index is 65, compared to the West Des Moines average of 124. This means crime in Southwood East is 59% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 53, and for property crime it is 79. 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 Southwood East?
The most prevalent crime type in Southwood East is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 112 (12% 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 Southwood East?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Valley Junction. These areas are close to Southwood East and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Southwood East?
Southwood East has a population of approximately 473. The median household income is $100,185. The median home value is $278,596. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Southwood East crime compare to the national average?
Southwood East's overall crime rate is 35% below the national average (index 65 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.