Thornwood 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 Thornwood Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Thornwood in West Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 11, which is 89% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the West Des Moines average (crime index 124), Thornwood is 113% 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, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 45, 55% below average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 3).
Thornwood 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
|
15 | -85% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
22 | -78% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
9 | -91% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
3 | -97% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
17 | -83% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
45 | -55% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
28 | -72% | Low | |
How Thornwood Compares
Crime index by category: Thornwood vs West Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Thornwood Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Thornwood Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Thornwood, West Des Moines?
Thornwood in West Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 11, which is 89% below the national average. Compared to the West Des Moines average, crime in Thornwood is 113% lower.
Is Thornwood a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines?
Thornwood is generally considered a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 45), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 3).
How does Thornwood compare to the rest of West Des Moines?
Thornwood's overall crime index is 11, compared to the West Des Moines average of 124. This means crime in Thornwood is 113% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 12, and for property crime it is 30. 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 Thornwood?
The most prevalent crime type in Thornwood is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 45 (55% below 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 Thornwood?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Valley Junction. These areas are close to Thornwood and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Thornwood?
Thornwood has a population of approximately 141. The median household income is $141,282. The median home value is $465,078. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Thornwood crime compare to the national average?
Thornwood's overall crime rate is 89% below the national average (index 11 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.