Valley Junction Neighborhood, West Des Moines

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 0% of neighborhoods in West Des Moines

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 124 / 300 High
Violent Crime 102
2% above national avg
Property Crime 122
22% above national avg
City Ranking
0%
safer than other
West Des Moines neighborhoods

Is Valley Junction Safe?

Valley Junction in West Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 124, which is 24% above the national average of 100. Valley Junction is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in West Des Moines.

Compared to the West Des Moines average (crime index 124), Valley Junction is 0% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 149, 49% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 64).

Overall, Valley Junction is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 149 (49% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Rape · Index 64 (36% below avg)

Valley Junction 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
129 +29% Moderate
Assault
98 -2% Average
Robbery
115 +15% Moderate
Rape
64 -36% Low
Property Crime
Burglary
110 +10% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
149 +49% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
107 +7% Moderate

How Valley Junction Compares

Crime index by category: Valley Junction vs West Des Moines average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Valley Junction Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

Valley Junction Demographics & Context

Population
2,412
Median Income
$63,444
Home Value
$173,905
Median Age
34
Pop. Density
3,804/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 14.4%
Graduate Degree 6.2%

Housing

50%
50%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 85.3%
Black 5.3%
Hispanic 15.5%
Asian 1.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Valley Junction, West Des Moines?

Valley Junction in West Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 124, which is 24% above the national average. Compared to the West Des Moines average, crime in Valley Junction is 0% lower. Valley Junction is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in West Des Moines.

Is Valley Junction a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines?

Valley Junction is generally considered a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 149), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 64). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in West Des Moines.

How does Valley Junction compare to the rest of West Des Moines?

Valley Junction's overall crime index is 124, compared to the West Des Moines average of 124. This means crime in Valley Junction is 0% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 102, and for property crime it is 122. 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 Valley Junction?

The most prevalent crime type in Valley Junction is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 149 (49% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.

What are the demographics of Valley Junction?

Valley Junction has a population of approximately 2,412. The median household income is $63,444. The median home value is $173,905. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Valley Junction crime compare to the national average?

Valley Junction's overall crime rate is 24% above the national average (index 124 vs 100). Within West Des Moines, it is safer than 0% of neighborhoods. 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 March 2026.