Living in West Des Moines, Iowa
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of West Des Moines · Census data 2020–2024
West Des Moines has 71,083 residents with a median age of 36. The median household income is $86,594 (15% higher than the Iowa median), the median home value is $309,000, the median rent is $1,237/month.
West Des Moines at a glance
- Population
- 71,083
- Median age
- 36State: 38.6
- Median household income
- $86,594State: $75,059
- Median home value
- $309,000State: $208,000
- Median rent
- $1,237/moState: $972
- Homeowners
- 57.4%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 54.9%
- Average commute
- 18 min
Is West Des Moines a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 15% higher than the Iowa median; an average commute of 18 minutes; unemployment of 2.4%; a poverty rate of 8.4%.
Cons: Home values 49% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in May–June and August–September.
Cost of living in West Des Moines
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In West Des Moines the median home value is $309,000, 7% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,237 per month, which is 26.4% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,845 a month in housing costs.
West Des Moines median household income
The median household income in West Des Moines is $86,594 and the income per person is $57,275. 8.4% of residents live below the poverty line (Iowa: 11.1%).
Housing in West Des Moines: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 34,006
- Owner-occupied
- 57.4%
- Renter-occupied
- 42.6%
- Vacant
- 5.2%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1994
- Average household size
- 2.19
West Des Moines demographics
- Population
- 71,083
- Median age
- 36
- Under 18
- 21%
- 65 and older
- 15.1%
- Households
- 32,233
- Foreign-born
- 10.9%
- Veterans
- 5.4%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of West Des Moines ›
Education in West Des Moines
54.9% of adults 25 and older in West Des Moines have a bachelor's degree or higher (Iowa: 31.4%), and 19.1% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in West Des Moines
- Unemployment rate
- 2.4%State: 3.6%
- Average commute
- 18 minState: 20 min
- Work from home
- 19.1%
- Drive alone
- 71%
- Public transit
- 0.6%
- Walk to work
- 0.8%
- Homes with broadband
- 93.4%
West Des Moines vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Des Moines | 71,083 | $86,594 | $309,000 | $1,237 |
| Clive | 19,012 | $132,121 | $401,100 | $1,073 |
| Cumming | 545 | $162,875 | $508,000 | $1,163 |
| Windsor Heights | 5,143 | $91,707 | $267,900 | $1,498 |
| Waukee | 29,236 | $101,029 | $350,500 | $1,383 |
| Urbandale | 46,595 | $112,795 | $335,500 | $1,211 |
| Norwalk | 14,183 | $102,722 | $303,100 | $838 |
| Van Meter | 1,628 | $135,139 | $264,000 | $1,063 |
| Grimes | 16,366 | $120,037 | $304,700 | $1,251 |
More for people moving to West Des Moines
West Des Moines ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in West Des Moines: FAQ
What is the median household income in West Des Moines, IA?
The median household income in West Des Moines is $86,594, 15% higher than the Iowa median of $75,059 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in West Des Moines?
The median home value in West Des Moines is $309,000, compared with $208,000 in Iowa.
How much is rent in West Des Moines?
The median gross rent in West Des Moines is $1,237 per month, about 26.4% of household income.
Is West Des Moines, IA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 15% higher than the Iowa median; an average commute of 18 minutes; unemployment of 2.4%; a poverty rate of 8.4%. Minuses: home values 49% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in West Des Moines?
The median age in West Des Moines is 36 years (Iowa: 38.6).
How long is the commute in West Des Moines?
The average commute to work in West Des Moines is 18 minutes; 19.1% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in West Des Moines?
The unemployment rate in West Des Moines is 2.4% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is West Des Moines?
54.9% of adults in West Des Moines have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
Last updated: