| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | West Des Moines/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,378 | n/a (estimate) | 1,879 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 16 | n/a | 21.8 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 9 | n/a | 12.3 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 96 | n/a | 130.9 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 121 | n/a (estimate) | 165 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 84 | n/a | 114.5 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,079 | n/a | 1,471.3 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 94 | n/a | 128.2 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,257 | n/a (estimate) | 1,714 | 1,297 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in West Des Moines is 11.3% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In West Des Moines, there were 121 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 165 per 100,000 individuals, 54.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 1257 property crimes, amounting to 1714 per 100,000 residents, 2.6% lower than the U.S. average.
When evaluating the West Des Moines crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported West Des Moines crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.
In the latest reported crime year, West Des Moines recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
West Des Moines exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1714 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that West Des Moines maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
What is the prevailing sentiment among West Des Moines residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 17 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 76% of West Des Moines residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 24% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is West Des Moines a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the West Des Moines crime rate is 11% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 3.78 crimes per day - 0.33 violent crimes and 3.44 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime rates in West Des Moines has increased by 3.8% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not West Des Moines is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 18.6%, while property crime has increased by 2.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in West Des Moines.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in West Des Moines crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. West Des Moines has an unemployment rate of 1.9%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In West Des Moines, 95.1% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
West Des Moines has an average rental rate of $1,575 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | West Des Moines | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 77 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.3 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Iowa /100K | National /100K |
| Iowa | 6,040 | 205 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Van Meter, IA | 1,436 | 55 | 55 | 110 |
| Granger, IA | 1,931 | 34 | 182 | 216 |
| Norwalk, IA | 11,804 | 109 | 180 | 289 |
| Polk City, IA | 4,940 | 31 | 290 | 320 |
| Saylorville, IA | 2,841 | 64 | 340 | 403 |
| Dallas Center, IA | 1,744 | 66 | 352 | 418 |
| Cumming, IA | 550 | 98 | 524 | 622 |
| West Des Moines, IA | 68,345 | 165 | 1,714 | 1,879 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| North Little Rock, AR | 68,354 | 1,180 | 4,313 | 5,493 |
| Lodi, CA | 68,361 | 610 | 2,607 | 3,217 |
| Redondo Beach, CA | 68,376 | 249 | 2,586 | 2,835 |
| Eagan, MN | 68,193 | 103 | 1,770 | 1,873 |
| Ames, IA | 68,047 | 148 | 1,506 | 1,654 |
| West Des Moines, IA | 68,345 | 165 | 1,714 | 1,879 |
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