Western Trails Neighborhood, West Des Moines
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Summary: Western Trails, West Des Moines Crime Rate (2026)
Western Trails, West Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is 29% above the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: November 8, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
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in West Des Moines
Is Western Trails Safe?
Mixed — the grade is relative to other neighborhoods, but crime is above the national average. Western Trails in West Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 129, which is 29% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the West Des Moines average (crime index 124), Western Trails is 5% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 149, 49% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 22).
Western Trails 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
|
149 | +49% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
96 | -4% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
59 | -41% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
22 | -78% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
68 | -32% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
111 | +11% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
89 | -11% | Average | |
How Western Trails Compares
Crime index by category: Western Trails vs West Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Western Trails Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
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Western Trails Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Western Trails, West Des Moines?
Western Trails in West Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 129, which is 29% above the national average. Compared to the West Des Moines average, crime in Western Trails is 5% higher.
Is Western Trails a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines?
Western Trails has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of A-. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Murder (index: 149), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 22).
How does Western Trails compare to the rest of West Des Moines?
Western Trails's overall crime index is 129, compared to the West Des Moines average of 124. This means crime in Western Trails is 5% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 82, and for property crime it is 89. 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 Trails?
The most common crime type in Western Trails is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 111 (11% above the national average). Homicide is the most elevated type versus the national average (index 149), not the most frequent crime. Overall, property crime is more common than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Western Trails?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Valley Junction. These areas are close to Western Trails and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Western Trails?
Western Trails has a population of approximately 124. The median household income is $88,572. The median home value is $294,536. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Western Trails crime compare to the national average?
Western Trails's overall crime rate is 29% above the national average (index 129 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 November 2026.