Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Des Moines, IA
Thinking of moving to West Des Moines, IA? With around 71,000 residents, this vibrant city offers affordable living, with a median home price of $320,000 and average 2-bedroom rents at $1,250. Enjoy a low violent crime rate (132 per 100K), short 19-minute average commutes, and strong schools—over half of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. With plenty of sunny days and easy access to healthcare, West Des Moines is a welcoming place for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
Demographics - West Des Moines, IA
Demographics - West Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines has a population of just over 70,000, featuring a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 37.2, which suggests a mix of families and professionals. The community is predominantly White, with growing Asian and Black populations, and nearly 9% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
70,741
Density:
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.9%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.7%
Black:
4.9%
Asian:
6.6%
Others:
5.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Des Moines, IA?
The cost of living in West Des Moines is slightly below the national average, with a median home value of $320,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,250. Residents benefit from affordable utilities and moderate state taxes, making it an attractive choice for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$320,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$580
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
96.2
Grocery:
97.1
Housing:
87.6
Utilities:
98.9
Transportation:
94.3
Health Care:
96.4
Miscellaneous:
99.0
Crime
Is West Des Moines, IA a safe place to live?
West Des Moines enjoys a low crime rate for its size, with violent crimes at 132 per 100,000 people and property crimes at 1,065 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 757, contributing to the city's reputation as a safe place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
132
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,065
Crime Index:
1,197
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 757
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 94
Weather
What is the weather like in West Des Moines, IA year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs near 87°F and cold winters dipping to around 15°F. The city receives about 36 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunshine on 62% of its days, offering a pleasant climate for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
West Des Moines is a prosperous community, with a household median income of nearly $90,000 and a low poverty rate of 5.8%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, over half hold a bachelor’s degree, and the average commute is a convenient 19 minutes.
Median Income:
$52,900
Household Income:
$89,900
Family Income:
$109,200
Per Capita Income:
$47,600
Income Male:
$61,000
Income Female:
$48,100
Poverty Rate:
5.8%
Non English Speakers:
8.9%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
2.6%
Public Transport Usage:
1.0%
Commute Time:
18.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.1%
Bachelors or More:
54.4%
Education
How are the schools in West Des Moines, IA?
West Des Moines boasts reputable public and private schools, such as Valley High School and Dowling Catholic High School, with favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education opportunities are easily accessible, with Des Moines University and Drake University located less than 10 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Valley High School
Street:
3650 Woodland Ave
Phone:
515-633-4000
Students:
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1
Name:
Indian Hills Junior High
Street:
9401 Indian Hills Dr
Phone:
515-633-4700
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
Dowling Catholic High School
Street:
1400 Buffalo Rd
Phone:
515-225-3000
Students:
1,400
Colleges
Name:
Des Moines University
City:
Des Moines
State:
IA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
1,800
Name:
Drake University
City:
Des Moines
State:
IA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
4,900
Healthcare
The city offers strong healthcare access with major hospitals like MercyOne and Methodist West providing full service and emergency care. With over 95% of residents insured and a high ratio of physicians, healthcare in West Des Moines is both accessible and reliable.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center
Address:
1755 59th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone:
(515) 358-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Methodist West Hospital
Address:
1660 60th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone:
(515) 343-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
78.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Des Moines, IA?
The housing market is healthy, with a median home price of $320,000 and a homeownership rate of about 60%. Homes have appreciated by more than 6% in the past year, while rental options remain available with a vacancy rate around 4%.
Median Home Price:
$320,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle and licensing services are managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation, conveniently located in nearby Ankeny. Residents can access information or schedule DMV services online or by phone.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
515-244-8725
Website:
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.