Washington / County

Moving to Des Moines, WA

Thinking of making a move to Des Moines, WA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Des Moines, WA

Considering a move to Des Moines, WA? This welcoming community of 32,400 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $540,000 and average rents near $1,780. Commute times average 31 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (43% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Des Moines's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Des Moines, WA

Des Moines has a population of 32,400 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 54% White, 10% Black, and 16% Asian residents, and over 24% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
32,400
Density
3,900 per sq mi
Median Age
38.0
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
23.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
54.3%
Black
10.2%
Asian
15.5%
Others
20.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Des Moines, WA?

The cost of living in Des Moines is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 128.9. Median home values are around $540,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,780. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$540,000
Gross Rent
$1,780
Monthly Electricity Charges
$110
Auto Insurance
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,580
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$765
State Taxes
Low: 0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
128.9
Grocery
116.7
Housing
148.3
Utilities
97.8
Transportation
120.3
Health Care
115.1
Miscellaneous
112.5

Crime

Is Des Moines, WA a safe place to live?

Des Moines is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 304 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 30. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Washington.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
304
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,368
Crime Index
3,672
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 329
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 30

Weather

What is the weather like in Des Moines, WA year-round?

Des Moines experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 76°F and cold winters dipping to 36°F. The area receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 43% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
36°F
Max
48°F

Summer

Min
55°F
Max
76°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
61°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches
38.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
43%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $77,600 and a low poverty rate of 9.4%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 28% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 31 minutes, and almost 8% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$42,900
Household Income
$77,600
Family Income
$90,200
Per Capita Income
$36,200
Income Male
$50,200
Income Female
$42,100
Poverty Rate
9.4%
Non English Speakers
23.5%
Rent
$1,780
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Public Transport Usage
7.9%
Commute Time
31.2 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.1%
Bachelors or More
28.4%

Education

How are the schools in Des Moines, WA?

Des Moines offers quality education options, with public schools like Mount Rainier High School and Pacific Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Highline College and University of Washington - Seattle. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Mount Rainier High School
Street
22450 19th Ave S
Phone
206-631-7000
Students
1,650
Student Teacher Ratio
19.0
Name
Pacific Middle School
Street
22705 24th Ave S
Phone
206-631-6500
Students
950
Student Teacher Ratio
18.2

Private Schools

Name
St. Philomena Catholic School
Street
1815 S 220th St
Phone
206-824-4051
Students
340

Colleges

Name
Highline College
City
Des Moines
State
WA
Distance
0 miles
Students
6,500
Name
University of Washington - Seattle
City
Seattle
State
WA
Distance
15 miles
Students
48,000

Healthcare

Des Moines residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like St. Anne Hospital and Valley Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 92.3% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
St. Anne Hospital
Address
16251 Sylvester Rd SW, Burien, WA 98166
Phone
(206) 244-9970
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Valley Medical Center
Address
400 S 43rd St, Renton, WA 98055
Phone
(425) 228-3450
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
92.3%
Health Care Index
77.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Des Moines, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $540,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 55%. The market has seen a 3.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.7%. Des Moines offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$540,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,780
Owner Occupied Rate
55.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.2%
New Construction Rate
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of Des Moines handle vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Olympia. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Washington
Department
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address
405 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Phone
360-902-3900

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Des Moines, WA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Des Moines, review the core fields on this page: population 32,400, median home value $540,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,780, commute time 31.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 43%.

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