South Bend, IN vs West Des Moines, IA

West Des Moines is safer with a higher safety score by 18 points. South Bend, IN has a safety score of 57/100 while West Des Moines, IA has 75/100, based on FBI Uniform Crime Report data.

South Bend, IN has a violent crime rate of 965.0 per 100,000 residents, while West Des Moines, IA has 165.0 per 100,000. Lower rates indicate safer communities. The national average is approximately 380 per 100,000.

South Bend, IN has a property crime rate of 2044.2 per 100,000, compared to 1714.1 per 100,000 in West Des Moines, IA. Property crimes include burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.

Safety scores range from 0-100, combining violent crime rates, property crime rates, and population data from the FBI UCR. Higher scores mean safer cities. Grades: A (80+), B (65-79), C (50-64), D (40-49), F (below 40).

Based on crime data alone, West Des Moines is safer. However, safety is just one factor — also consider cost of living, job market, schools, and quality of life. Visit our city pages for more details on each.