Is Normal or West Des Moines Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, West Des Moines is safer than Normal (Safety Score 44/100 vs 44/100), with a total crime rate of 1,879 per 100,000 versus 1,879 for Normal — 0% lower. Normal has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where West Des Moines has a 100% lower rate.
Normal — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
West Des Moines — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Normal, IL
West Des Moines, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Normal | West Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,879.3 | 1,879.1 | +0.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 329.1 | 165.0 | +164.1 |
| Murder Rate | 3.8 | 0.0 | +3.8 |
| Rape Rate | 95.1 | 21.8 | +73.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 15.2 | 12.3 | +3.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 214.9 | 130.9 | +84.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,550.2 | 1,714.1 | -163.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 232.1 | 114.5 | +117.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,232.6 | 1,471.4 | -238.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 85.6 | 128.2 | -42.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Normal or West Des Moines safer?
West Des Moines is safer with a total crime rate of 1,879 per 100K vs 1,879 for Normal — a 0% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Normal has a violent crime rate of 329.1 per 100K while West Des Moines has 165.0. West Des Moines has lower violent crime.
About Normal, IL
Normal, Illinois, home to Illinois State University, is a college town in McLean County. Situated in central Illinois, its population is around 55,000. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 52,573, Normal has a total crime rate of 1,879.3 per 100,000 residents.
About West Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines is a vibrant suburb of Iowa's capital, known for its strong financial sector and Jordan Creek Town Center. This affluent community, once a railway stop, lies just west of Des Moines, primarily in Polk County. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 73,334, West Des Moines has a total crime rate of 1,879.1 per 100,000 residents.