Southwood West 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 West Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Southwood West in West Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 61, which is 39% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the West Des Moines average (crime index 124), Southwood West is 63% 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, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 106, 6% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 0).
Southwood West 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
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
96 | -4% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
70 | -30% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
0 | -100% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
62 | -38% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
88 | -12% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
105 | +5% | Moderate | |
How Southwood West Compares
Crime index by category: Southwood West vs West Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Southwood West 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 West Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Southwood West, West Des Moines?
Southwood West in West Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 61, which is 39% below the national average. Compared to the West Des Moines average, crime in Southwood West is 63% lower.
Is Southwood West a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines?
Southwood West is generally considered a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Murder (index: 106), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 0).
How does Southwood West compare to the rest of West Des Moines?
Southwood West's overall crime index is 61, compared to the West Des Moines average of 124. This means crime in Southwood West is 63% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 68, and for property crime it is 85. 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 West?
The most prevalent crime type in Southwood West is Murder, with a crime index of 106 (6% 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 West?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Valley Junction. These areas are close to Southwood West and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Southwood West?
Southwood West has a population of approximately 210. The median household income is $70,085. The median home value is $253,241. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Southwood West crime compare to the national average?
Southwood West's overall crime rate is 39% below the national average (index 61 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.