B-
15%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
33%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
12%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleWest Des Moines/100k peopleIowa/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime1,391n/a (estimate)1,9671,6182,324
Murder1n/a1.41.76.3
Rape16n/a22.642.540.0
Robbery20n/a28.321.666.1
Assault139n/a196.6220.7268.2
Violent crime176n/a (estimate)249287370
Burglary86n/a121.6218.6269.8
Theft1,040n/a1,471.0965.41,401.9
Vehicle theft89n/a125.9147.4282.7
Property crime1,215n/a (estimate)1,7191,3321,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in West Des Moines, IA

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the West Des Moines crime rate is lower than the national average by 15.4%. Specifically, there were 176 violent crimes in West Des Moines, equivalent to 249 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 32.7%. Furthermore, West Des Moines recorded 1215 property crimes, amounting to 1719 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 12.1%.

West Des Moines maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In West Des Moines, 1719 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in West Des Moines?

What is the prevailing sentiment among West Des Moines residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 16 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 81% 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, 19% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is West Des Moines a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in West Des Moines, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. West Des Moines presents a total crime rate that is 15% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, West Des Moines experiences an average of 3.81 daily crimes, comprising 0.48 violent incidents and 3.33 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in West Des Moines Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in West Des Moines. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in West Des Moines has increased by 4.8%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 72.6%, while property crime has increased by 0.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in West Des Moines.

Potential Causes for Crime in West Des Moines

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. West Des Moines currently has an unemployment rate of 1.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

In West Des Moines, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.32 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in West Des Moines are $1,058, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

West Des Moines crime map



The West Des Moines crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in West Des Moines as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The West Des Moines crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the West Des Moines crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Crime Quick Facts

  • West Des Moines crime rates are 15% lower than the national average
  • Violent crimes in West Des Moines are 33% lower than the national average
  • In West Des Moines you have a 1 in 51 chance of becoming a victim of crime
  • West Des Moines is safer than 42% of the cities in the United States
  • Year over year crime in West Des Moines has increased by 4%

West Des Moines, IA Crime Quiz

     

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        Daily Crime In West Des Moines (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in West Des Moines, per 100,000 residents. In West Des Moines, the total number of daily crimes is 1.22 times more than the Iowa average and 1.18 times less than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in West Des Moines are 1.15 times less than the Iowa average and 1.49 times less than the national average. For property crime, West Des Moines has a daily crime rate that is 1.29 times more than the Iowa average and 1.14 times less than the daily national average.

        How Safe is West Des Moines (higher is better)

        How safe is West Des Moines, Iowa compared to other cities in Iowa and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that West Des Moines is safer than 52% of the cities in Iowa and 42% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in Iowa and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than West Des Moines. Overall, West Des Moines is ranked below average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in West Des Moines

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in West Des Moines is 1 in 402
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in West Des Moines is 1 in 59
        The chance of being a victim of crime in West Des Moines is 1 in 51
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in West Des Moines? If you reside in West Des Moines, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 402. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 59 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in West Des Moines, is 1 in 51.

        Year Over Year Crime In West Des Moines (per 100,000 people)

        An ideal indicator of whether West Des Moines is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in West Des Moines has increased by 72% and the rate of property crime in West Des Moines has decreased by 1%. The total crime rate in West Des Moines has increased by 4% year to year.

        West Des Moines police department

        Item West Des Moines Iowa National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)773,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.31.83.3
        There are a total of 77 West Des Moines police officers. This results in 1.3 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 26.5% less than the Iowa average and 59.3% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Iowa

        State Total offenders Iowa /100K National /100K
        Iowa6,040205266
        There are a total of 6,040 sex offenders in Iowa. This yields a total of 205 sex offenders in Iowa per 100,000 residents which is 23% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Norwalk, IA11,46756210266
        Polk City, IA4,79768287355
        Granger, IA1,89073340413
        Dallas Center, IA1,71092429521
        Van Meter, IA1,38696449546
        Saylorville, IA2,743102473575
        Cumming, IA536116538654
        West Des Moines, IA66,7242491,7191,967

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Portland, ME66,7061851,6851,870
        Oshkosh, WI66,7533371,6241,960
        Kenner, LA66,7596522,8463,498
        Conway, AR66,7765782,8433,420
        Redondo Beach, CA66,6634132,2842,697
        West Des Moines, IA66,7242491,7191,967
        Source: The West Des Moines, IA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.