What to know when moving to West Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 48.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 34% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $84,588, offering a comfortable living standard.
- The Reality Check:
- With only 0.4% using public transit, it's a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for about $1,065 in monthly rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
West Des Moines features a population of 33,061, showcasing a community with a solid educational background and a mixed housing market. The median gross rent is $1,065, while the median home value stands at $267,600. This area is characterized by a low poverty rate of 7.4%, indicating a stable living environment.
Probably not your spot if you prefer extensive public transportation options, as the area's reliance on cars is significant.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,065, making it relatively affordable compared to larger urban areas.
- Median home value is $267,600, indicating a reasonable investment for homebuyers.
- 48.5% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is 7.4%, reflecting economic stability.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Iowa has a lower crime rate compared to national averages, with significant declines in both property and violent crime over recent years.
- Violent crime rate: 236.6 per 100k, which is 27.3% lower than the national rate.
- Property crime rate: 1,201.8 per 100k, 22.3% below the national average.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 21.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Iowa).
Schools & Higher Ed
West Des Moines provides access to a range of educational institutions in the nearby area, with several colleges and universities within a short drive.
- Total postsecondary institutions nearby: 11
- Notable schools include Drake University and Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
West Des Moines experiences an annual precipitation of 34.5 inches and has about 113 rainy days each year. Winters are relatively mild with only about 2.9 inches of snowfall.
- Raccoon River Park - 4.7 stars (2,592 reviews)
- Gray's Lake Park - 4.7 stars (2,344 reviews)
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park - 4.6 stars (5,395 reviews)
- Blank Park Zoo - 4.5 stars (6,594 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Polk County, where West Des Moines is located, the employment landscape shows a healthy job market.
- Unemployment rate: 3.5% as of December 2025.
- Employed population: 279,540.
- Total labor force: 289,649.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.