74 movers in West Des Moines

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.

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Who regulates West Des Moines interstate movers?

West Des Moines moving companies are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they perform interstate moves. No matter if it is a moving company or a broker, they should have a valid DOT number. You can look up a mover here.

Agency: United States Department of Transportation
Address: 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington DC 20590
Phone: (855) 368-4200
Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov

To see if a specific movers complies with regulations, simply select a company from the list.

Moving within vs moving out of Iowa

Let's see how many people move within Iowa versus those who moved from Hawkeye State to another state.

Moved Within IA
39%
Moved out of IA
61%

Our statistics show that more people in Iowa (61%) have chosen to move to another state, with 39% of those people ending up moving to another town or city within the same state.

Listed as one of the safest states to live in, Iowa still gets to see more home movers pack up their belongings and relocate to another U.S. state. When moving out of the capital city Des Moines or from any other town or city in the state, picking a reputable interstate mover still remains a number one priority.

Who regulates Iowa local movers

If you’re about to move from one home to another within the state lines of Iowa, make sure you hire a local moving company that has been properly licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. The IOWA DOT regulates intrastate movers and issues special IOWAMC numbers to the companies that meet their safety and insurance requirements.

Agency:Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:PO Box 10382, Des Moines, IA 50306-0382
Phone:(515) 237-3264
Website: www.iowa.gov

What do people move within Iowa?

Ever wondered which are the most popular move sizes when people move locally in IA?

Studio (4%)
1 Bedroom (20%)
2 Bedroom (29%)
3 Bedroom (26%)
4 Bedroom (10%)

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How much does it cost to hire movers

As it turns out, the cost to hire professional movers will effectively solve the ever-present dilemma of whether you should hire a mover or do it yourself. The cost depends on a number of important factors, including the type of the move itself (local move or a long distance). See the breakdown.

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