Southwoods Knolls 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 Southwoods Knolls Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Southwoods Knolls 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), Southwoods Knolls 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.
Southwoods Knolls 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 Southwoods Knolls Compares
Crime index by category: Southwoods Knolls vs West Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Southwoods Knolls Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Southwoods Knolls Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Southwoods Knolls, West Des Moines?
Southwoods Knolls 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 Southwoods Knolls is 59% lower.
Is Southwoods Knolls a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines?
Southwoods Knolls 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 Southwoods Knolls compare to the rest of West Des Moines?
Southwoods Knolls's overall crime index is 65, compared to the West Des Moines average of 124. This means crime in Southwoods Knolls 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 Southwoods Knolls?
The most prevalent crime type in Southwoods Knolls 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 Southwoods Knolls?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Valley Junction. These areas are close to Southwoods Knolls and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Southwoods Knolls?
Southwoods Knolls has a population of approximately 115. The median household income is $100,187. The median home value is $196,894. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Southwoods Knolls crime compare to the national average?
Southwoods Knolls'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.