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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.

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

Considering a move to West Des Moines, IA? This welcoming community of 67,900 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $345,000 and average rents near $1,420. Commute times average 19 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 67,900 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 78% White, 7% Black, and 9% Asian residents, and over 11% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
67,900
Density
2,500 per sq mi
Median Age
36.8
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
10.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
78.0%
Black
7.0%
Asian
8.5%
Others
6.5%

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 99.8. Median home values are around $345,000 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
$345,000
Gross Rent
$1,420
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$590
State Taxes
Low: 0.3%| High: 5.7%
Cost Of Living Index
99.8
Grocery
98.0
Housing
102.5
Utilities
97.6
Transportation
96.8
Health Care
101.2
Miscellaneous
98.9

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 172 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 66. 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
172
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,520
Crime Index
1,692
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 581
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 66

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
63°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
41°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
43°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $97,500 and a low poverty rate of 6.8%. Over 96% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 54% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$48,500
Household Income
$97,500
Family Income
$118,000
Per Capita Income
$51,200
Income Male
$58,000
Income Female
$46,500
Poverty Rate
6.8%
Non English Speakers
14.2%
Rent
$1,420
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
Public Transport Usage
2.4%
Commute Time
18.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
96.0%
Bachelors or More
53.5%

Education

How are the schools in West Des Moines, IA?

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

Public Schools

Name
Valley High School
Street
3650 Woodland Ave
Phone
515-633-4000
Students
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio
15.3
Name
Brooks Elementary School
Street
3800 Plaza Blvd
Phone
515-633-5200
Students
520
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8

Private Schools

Name
Dowling Catholic High School
Street
1400 Buffalo Rd
Phone
515-225-3000
Students
1,250
Name
St. Francis of Assisi School
Street
7075 Ashworth Rd
Phone
515-223-4577
Students
420

Colleges

Name
Drake University
City
Des Moines
State
IA
Distance
7 miles
Students
4,700
Name
Des Moines Area Community College
City
Ankeny
State
IA
Distance
20 miles
Students
25,000

Healthcare

West Des Moines residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center and UnityPoint Health - Methodist West Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.7 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
UnityPoint Health - Methodist West Hospital
Address
1660 60th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone
(515) 343-1000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage
93.8%
Health Care Index
79.4

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 $345,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 69%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. West Des Moines offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$345,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,420
Owner Occupied Rate
69.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
2.8%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of West Des Moines handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division, 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 - Motor Vehicle Division
Address
800 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010
Phone
1-515-244-8725

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 67,900, median home value $345,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,420, commute time 18.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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