Iowa / County

Moving to West Des Moines, IA

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

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving West Des Moines and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare West Des Moines before you move.

Moving Help for Your West Des Moines, IA Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of West Des Moines move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers West Des Moines, IA Piano Movers West Des Moines, IA Cheap Movers West Des Moines, IA Small Movers West Des Moines, IA Apartment Movers West Des Moines, IA Long Distance Movers West Des Moines, IA

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Des Moines, IA

Considering a move to West Des Moines, IA? This welcoming community of 68,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $315,000 and average rents near $1,420. Commute times average 20 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (58% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore West Des Moines's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - West Des Moines, IA

West Des Moines has a population of 68,000 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 76% White, 7% Black, and 11% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
68,000
Density
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age
37.6
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
8.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
75.5%
Black
7.0%
Asian
10.5%
Others
7.0%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in West Des Moines is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 96.8. Median home values are around $315,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,420. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$315,000
Gross Rent
$1,420
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,870
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$610
State Taxes
Low: 4.4%| High: 5.7%
Cost Of Living Index
96.8
Grocery
97.5
Housing
93.2
Utilities
99.1
Transportation
95.8
Health Care
98.4
Miscellaneous
96.1

Crime

Is West Des Moines, IA a safe place to live?

West Des Moines is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 132 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 70. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Iowa.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
132
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,420
Crime Index
1,552
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 758
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 70

Weather

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

West Des Moines experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 16°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
16°F
Max
33°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $95,000 and a low poverty rate of 5.8%. Over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 50% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$49,500
Household Income
$95,000
Family Income
$123,000
Per Capita Income
$51,000
Income Male
$62,000
Income Female
$49,000
Poverty Rate
5.8%
Non English Speakers
11.0%
Rent
$1,420
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
Public Transport Usage
2.8%
Commute Time
19.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.8%
Bachelors or More
49.5%

Education

How are the schools in West Des Moines, IA?

West Des Moines offers quality education options, with public schools like West Des Moines High School and Valley High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Iowa Western Des Moines Campus and Drake University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
West Des Moines High School
Street
Josh Davis Blvd
Phone
515-633-4000
Students
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
Valley High School
Street
3650 Woodland Ave
Phone
515-633-4100
Students
1,850
Student Teacher Ratio
15.4

Private Schools

Name
Dowling Catholic High School
Street
1400 Buffalo Rd
Phone
515-222-1000
Students
700
Name
Sacred Heart School
Street
1627 Grand Ave
Phone
515-223-8656
Students
280

Colleges

Name
Iowa Western Des Moines Campus
City
West Des Moines
State
IA
Distance
0 miles
Students
1,200
Name
Drake University
City
Des Moines
State
IA
Distance
9 miles
Students
5,000

Healthcare

West Des Moines residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center and Methodist West Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 93.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center
Address
1755 59th Pl, 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) 241-6212
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage
93.8%
Health Care Index
78.9

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in West Des Moines, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $315,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 68%. The market has seen a 4.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.6%. West Des Moines offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$315,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,420
Owner Occupied Rate
68.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.9%
New Construction Rate
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of West Des Moines handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Ames. 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
Iowa
Department
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address
800 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010
Phone
1-800-532-5500

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 West Des Moines, IA

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

Before moving to West Des Moines, review the core fields on this page: population 68,000, median home value $315,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,420, commute time 19.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

Ready to Move to West Des Moines, IA?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes