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 32,800 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $610,000 and average rents near $1,950. 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 (48% 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 32,800 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 63% White, 5% Black, and 15% Asian residents, and over 28% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
32,800
Density
4,000 per sq mi
Median Age
38.8
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
28.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
63.0%
Black
5.0%
Asian
15.0%
Others
17.0%

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 142.5. Median home values are around $610,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,950. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$610,000
Gross Rent
$1,950
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$850
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 0.0%
Cost Of Living Index
142.5
Grocery
108.5
Housing
185.0
Utilities
99.8
Transportation
122.0
Health Care
108.0
Miscellaneous
106.5

Crime

Is Des Moines, WA a safe place to live?

Des Moines is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 245 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 47. 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
245
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,150
Crime Index
2,395
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 408
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 47

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 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 48% 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
45°F
Max
61°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches
38.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
48%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $85,500 and a low poverty rate of 8.7%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 36% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 31 minutes, and almost 15% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$46,500
Household Income
$85,500
Family Income
$96,800
Per Capita Income
$42,000
Income Male
$53,000
Income Female
$44,000
Poverty Rate
8.7%
Non English Speakers
22.5%
Rent
$1,950
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
Public Transport Usage
14.5%
Commute Time
30.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.8%
Bachelors or More
35.6%

Education

How are the schools in Des Moines, WA?

Des Moines offers quality education options, with public schools like Des Moines Middle School and Midway Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Highline College and Green River College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Des Moines Middle School
Street
21001 11th Ave S
Phone
253-945-5500
Students
780
Student Teacher Ratio
16.5
Name
Midway Elementary School
Street
22619 24th Ave S
Phone
253-945-4800
Students
540
Student Teacher Ratio
15.8

Private Schools

Name
Highline Christian School
Street
22620 24th Ave S
Phone
206-824-0431
Students
420
Name
St. Philomena School
Street
1790 S 222nd St
Phone
206-824-4542
Students
290

Colleges

Name
Highline College
City
Des Moines
State
WA
Distance
4 miles
Students
16,000
Name
Green River College
City
Auburn
State
WA
Distance
18 miles
Students
8,500

Healthcare

Des Moines residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like St. Francis Hospital and Highline Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 93.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
St. Francis Hospital
Address
34515 9th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003
Phone
(253) 944-8100
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Highline Medical Center
Address
16251 Sylvester Rd SW, Burien, WA 98166
Phone
(206) 242-7281
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage
93.0%
Health Care Index
79.4

Housing Market

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

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $610,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 62%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.0%. Des Moines offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$610,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,950
Owner Occupied Rate
61.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

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
1025 Union Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98504
Phone
1-360-902-3900

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 32,800, median home value $610,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,950, commute time 30.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 48%.

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