West Des Moines Heights 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 West Des Moines Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. West Des Moines Heights in West Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 75, which is 25% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the West Des Moines average (crime index 124), West Des Moines Heights is 49% 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, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 163, 63% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 20). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
West Des Moines Heights 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
|
91 | -9% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
67 | -33% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
48 | -52% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
20 | -80% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
163 | +63% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
88 | -12% | Average | |
How West Des Moines Heights Compares
Crime index by category: West Des Moines Heights vs West Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
West Des Moines Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
West Des Moines Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in West Des Moines Heights, West Des Moines?
West Des Moines Heights in West Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 75, which is 25% below the national average. Compared to the West Des Moines average, crime in West Des Moines Heights is 49% lower.
Is West Des Moines Heights a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines?
West Des Moines Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 163), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 20).
How does West Des Moines Heights compare to the rest of West Des Moines?
West Des Moines Heights's overall crime index is 75, compared to the West Des Moines average of 124. This means crime in West Des Moines Heights is 49% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 57, and for property crime it is 126. 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 West Des Moines Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in West Des Moines Heights is Burglary, with a crime index of 163 (63% 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 West Des Moines Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Valley Junction. These areas are close to West Des Moines Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of West Des Moines Heights?
West Des Moines Heights has a population of approximately 42. The median household income is $73,798. The median home value is $246,589. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does West Des Moines Heights crime compare to the national average?
West Des Moines Heights's overall crime rate is 25% below the national average (index 75 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.