Is Windsor Heights Safe, Pros and cons of living in Windsor Heights

Windsor Heights, Iowa, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. This centrally located community is a part of the Des Moines metropolitan area, providing residents with a balanced lifestyle. Its history, rooted in coal mining, has transformed into a modern town with a strong sense of community and a commitment to preserving its neighborhood integrity.

The town’s strategic position allows for easy access to a wide range of recreational, cultural, and professional opportunities. Windsor Heights boasts well-established green spaces, unique local businesses, and a community center that hosts various events throughout the year. This combination of factors makes it an attractive place for individuals and families seeking a comfortable and connected living environment.

Is it Safe to Live in Windsor Heights?

Windsor Heights presents a complex picture regarding safety, with overall crime rates noted as being higher than the national average. Specifically, property crime rates are significantly above the national average, contributing to an overall crime rate that is 128% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, it’s crucial to understand that these statistics do not mean the entire city is unsafe. Crime levels can vary significantly by neighborhood, suggesting that localized awareness and community efforts play a vital role in maintaining safety across the city (as reported by AreaVibes).

When examining specific crime categories, the violent crime rate in Windsor Heights is actually lower than the national average. There were 11 violent crimes reported, equating to 220 per 100,000 people, which is 38.9% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Conversely, property crimes are a greater concern, with 231 reported incidents, leading to a rate that is 161.9% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This disparity highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of crime statistics rather than relying solely on overall figures.

Housing Costs and Market Trends

The housing market in Windsor Heights shows a median listing price of $320,000, with a median price per square foot of $194 (as reported by realtor.com®). Over the past year, home values have seen an increase of 2.7% (as reported by Zillow). These figures indicate a growing market, with a median home value of $282,953 (as reported by Zillow).

Rental prices in Windsor Heights are also a significant factor for those considering a move. The median rent stands at $1,500 per month (as reported by realtor.com®), while Zillow reports an average rent of $1,353 as of March 2026. This is notably lower than the national average rent of $1,910 (as reported by Zillow). Rental inventory is somewhat limited, with approximately 10 rentals on the market, suggesting a competitive rental landscape (as reported by realtor.com®).

Home Prices vs. Rent

For those weighing the decision between buying and renting, understanding the cost difference is key. The median home value in Windsor Heights is approximately $247,778 (as reported by Livability.com). Conversely, the median monthly rent is around $943 (as reported by Livability.com). This disparity suggests that homeownership might be more financially accessible than renting on a monthly basis, though other factors like down payments and property taxes should also be considered.

The cost of living in Windsor Heights is generally comparable to the national average, with some categories showing slight variations. Overall, the cost of living is about 1% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing costs are 7% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes), which aligns with the median home values and rental prices observed in the market.

Economic Landscape and Employment Opportunities

Windsor Heights offers a diverse job market, with a significant portion of its workforce employed in professional, sales, and administrative support roles. The city has a higher concentration of individuals working in computer science and math fields than most other places in the U.S. Additionally, Windsor Heights is noted for having a notable number of artists, designers, and media professionals, contributing to its unique character (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

The average salary in Windsor Heights is approximately $65,320 per year, or $31 per hour (as reported by SalaryExpert). ZipRecruiter reports a slightly different average salary of $41,884 per year, with a median wage of $38,600 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). These figures provide a general overview of earning potential within the city.

Major Employers and Industries

Several companies operate within or near Windsor Heights, contributing to the local employment landscape. These include U.S. Cellular, QPS Employment Group, and Hy-Vee (as reported by Lensa). Other notable employers include Walmart, FedEx, Starbucks, Sam’s Club, and State Farm (as reported by Indeed.com).

The city’s strategic location within the Des Moines metropolitan area also provides access to a broader range of industries and major employers. These include centers of Polk County government, business, industry, and educational institutions like Des Moines Area Community College, Drake University, and Iowa State University (as reported by City of Windsor Heights, IA).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Windsor Heights experiences distinct seasonal weather patterns, characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 16°F to 86°F throughout the year, with extremes rarely falling below -3°F or exceeding 95°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 86°F and lows of 68°F, while January is the coldest, with average highs near 32°F and lows of 17°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Rainfall in Windsor Heights is spread throughout much of the year, with a rainy period lasting approximately ten months. June typically sees the most rainfall, averaging 4.6 inches, while January experiences the least, with about 0.2 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). The chance of a wet day is higher from April to September, averaging over 26% during this period, with June having the most wet days (as reported by Weather Spark).

Seasonal Temperature and Precipitation

Summers in Windsor Heights are warm and humid, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 75°F from late May to mid-September (as reported by Weather Spark). Winters are cold and windy, with average daily high temperatures dipping below 43°F from late November to early March (as reported by Weather Spark). The average annual rainfall is around 36 inches, and the average annual snowfall is also approximately 36 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

The climate of Windsor Heights is generally partly cloudy year-round. Wet days, defined as having at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, occur more frequently during the spring and summer months. The drier season spans from late September to early April, with fewer wet days during this period (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education and School System

Windsor Heights is served by public schools that have an average ranking of 5 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools (as reported by Niche). Despite this overall ranking, specific schools within Windsor Heights show mixed performance. Cowles Elementary School and Clive Learning Academy are noted as top-ranked public schools in the area (as reported by Niche).

Student proficiency in math and reading within Windsor Heights public schools is slightly above the Iowa public school average. The average math proficiency score is 70% compared to the state average of 68%, and the reading proficiency score is 73% versus the statewide average of 70% (as reported by Niche). Minority enrollment in Windsor Heights public schools is approximately 40%, which is higher than the Iowa public school average of 29% (as reported by Niche).

School District Performance and Demographics

The school districts serving Windsor Heights receive varied ratings. The West Des Moines Community School District is ranked as the #18 best school district in Iowa, holding an A-minus overall Niche grade (as reported by Niche). In contrast, Windsor Elementary School has an overall C+ Niche grade (as reported by Niche).

The student body in Windsor Heights public schools is diverse, with a majority identifying as Hispanic and Black. This demographic makeup is more pronounced than the state average for Iowa public schools, which also has a majority Hispanic student population but at a lower overall percentage (as reported by Niche). Educational attainment among adults in Windsor Heights is notable, with a significant portion holding at least a bachelor’s degree (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Demographics and Population Trends

Windsor Heights has a population of approximately 5,106 people (as reported by Livability.com), with projections estimating around 5,041 residents in 2026 (as reported by World Population Review). The city’s population has seen a slight decrease, declining by approximately 3.72% since the 2020 census (as reported by World Population Review). The median age in Windsor Heights is 41.6 years, with a slightly higher median age for males (42 years) compared to females (41.3 years) (as reported by World Population Review).

The racial composition of Windsor Heights is predominantly White, making up about 81.37% of the population, followed by Black or African American at 5.56%, and Asian at 4.69% (as reported by World Population Review). Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute about 1.68% of the population (as reported by Wikipedia). Foreign-born residents account for approximately 8.4% of the population, which is close to the national average (as reported by Data USA).

Community Diversity and Lifestyle

Windsor Heights is described as a very ethnically diverse city, with a population that reports belonging to various racial and ethnic groups. White and Black or African American are the most common racial identifications (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The most frequently spoken language is English, with Spanish and Polish also being spoken by a notable number of residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

The community is characterized by a mixed workforce, blending blue-collar and white-collar jobs. Many residents work in sales, computer science, and administrative support. A significant portion, nearly 20%, work from home, indicating a strong presence of telecommuters and self-employed individuals (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The city is also noted for having very little traffic, with an average commute time substantially less than the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Pros and Cons of Living in Windsor Heights

Windsor Heights offers several advantages, including its strategic location within the Des Moines metropolitan area, providing easy access to amenities and job opportunities. The city is known for its strong sense of community and efforts to maintain neighborhood integrity, attracting residents with its unique character and well-established parks and community facilities (as reported by City of Windsor Heights, IA). The lower-than-average violent crime rate is a positive aspect for residents seeking safety.

However, Windsor Heights also presents some challenges. The overall crime rate, particularly property crime, is higher than the national average, which is a significant consideration for potential residents (as reported by AreaVibes). The cost of living, especially housing, is slightly higher than the national average, which could impact affordability for some individuals and families (as reported by AreaVibes).

Key Considerations for Residents

For those considering a move to Windsor Heights, understanding the local job market is essential. While the average salary provides a baseline, the diversity of employment opportunities within the broader Des Moines area is a key benefit. The city’s educational system, while having some highly-rated individual schools, has an average ranking that suggests room for improvement in the overall district performance (as reported by Niche).

The climate, with its distinct seasons, means residents should be prepared for warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. While the city is generally considered ethnically diverse, the demographic makeup of the schools is something to note for families. The balance between suburban quietude and urban accessibility is a defining characteristic of Windsor Heights, making it a town with distinct appeal.