The Oaks 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 The Oaks Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. The Oaks in West Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 122, which is 22% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the West Des Moines average (crime index 124), The Oaks is 2% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 178, 78% above average), while vehicle theft is the lowest risk (index: 99).
The Oaks 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
|
113 | +13% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
152 | +52% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
125 | +25% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
105 | +5% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
178 | +78% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
How The Oaks Compares
Crime index by category: The Oaks vs West Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
The Oaks 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 Oaks Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in The Oaks, West Des Moines?
The Oaks in West Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 122, which is 22% above the national average. Compared to the West Des Moines average, crime in The Oaks is 2% lower.
Is The Oaks a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines?
The Oaks is generally considered a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 178), while Vehicle Theft is the lowest risk (index: 99).
How does The Oaks compare to the rest of West Des Moines?
The Oaks's overall crime index is 122, compared to the West Des Moines average of 124. This means crime in The Oaks is 2% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 124, and for property crime it is 132. 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 Oaks?
The most prevalent crime type in The Oaks is Burglary, with a crime index of 178 (78% 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 The Oaks?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Valley Junction. These areas are close to The Oaks and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of The Oaks?
The Oaks has a population of approximately 16. The median household income is $55,092. The median home value is $867,603. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does The Oaks crime compare to the national average?
The Oaks's overall crime rate is 22% above the national average (index 122 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.