Western Hills 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 Western Hills Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Western Hills in West Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 5, which is 95% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the West Des Moines average (crime index 124), Western Hills is 119% 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: 73, 27% below average), while murder is the lowest risk (index: 6).
Western Hills 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
|
6 | -94% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
7 | -93% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
68 | -32% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
48 | -52% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
73 | -27% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
39 | -61% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
38 | -62% | Low | |
How Western Hills Compares
Crime index by category: Western Hills vs West Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Western Hills Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Western Hills Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Western Hills, West Des Moines?
Western Hills in West Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 5, which is 95% below the national average. Compared to the West Des Moines average, crime in Western Hills is 119% lower.
Is Western Hills a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines?
Western Hills is generally considered a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 73), while Murder is the lowest risk (index: 6).
How does Western Hills compare to the rest of West Des Moines?
Western Hills's overall crime index is 5, compared to the West Des Moines average of 124. This means crime in Western Hills is 119% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 32, and for property crime it is 50. 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 Western Hills?
The most prevalent crime type in Western Hills is Burglary, with a crime index of 73 (27% 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 Western Hills?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Valley Junction. These areas are close to Western Hills and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Western Hills?
Western Hills has a population of approximately 827. The median household income is $147,513. The median home value is $296,091. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Western Hills crime compare to the national average?
Western Hills's overall crime rate is 95% below the national average (index 5 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.