The Knolls 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 The Knolls Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. The Knolls in West Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 38, which is 62% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the West Des Moines average (crime index 124), The Knolls is 86% 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, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 97, 3% below average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 18).
The 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
|
73 | -27% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
18 | -82% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
97 | -3% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
72 | -28% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
35 | -65% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
95 | -5% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
57 | -43% | Low | |
How The Knolls Compares
Crime index by category: The Knolls vs West Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
The 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
The Knolls Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in The Knolls, West Des Moines?
The Knolls in West Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 38, which is 62% below the national average. Compared to the West Des Moines average, crime in The Knolls is 86% lower.
Is The Knolls a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines?
The Knolls is generally considered a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 97), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 18).
How does The Knolls compare to the rest of West Des Moines?
The Knolls's overall crime index is 38, compared to the West Des Moines average of 124. This means crime in The Knolls is 86% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 65, and for property crime it is 62. 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 The Knolls?
The most prevalent crime type in The Knolls is Robbery, with a crime index of 97 (3% below the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near The Knolls?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Valley Junction. These areas are close to The Knolls and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of The Knolls?
The Knolls has a population of approximately 653. The median household income is $128,257. The median home value is $316,125. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does The Knolls crime compare to the national average?
The Knolls's overall crime rate is 62% below the national average (index 38 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.