Living in Des Moines, Washington
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Des Moines · Census data 2020–2024
Des Moines has 32,823 residents with a median age of 38. The median household income is $92,483 (6% lower than the Washington median), the median home value is $597,000, the median rent is $1,799/month.
Des Moines at a glance
- Population
- 32,823
- Median age
- 38State: 38.3
- Median household income
- $92,483State: $98,141
- Median home value
- $597,000State: $564,600
- Median rent
- $1,799/moState: $1,760
- Homeowners
- 60.6%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 33.4%
- Average commute
- 31 min
Is Des Moines a good place to live?
Cons: Median household income 6% lower than the Washington median; home values 6% higher than the state median; an average commute of 31 minutes; unemployment of 7.5%; a poverty rate of 12.1%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Des Moines
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Des Moines the median home value is $597,000, 79% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,799 per month, which is 39.8% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,499 a month in housing costs.
Des Moines median household income
The median household income in Des Moines is $92,483 and the income per person is $43,717. 12.1% of residents live below the poverty line (Washington: 9.9%).
Housing in Des Moines: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 12,528
- Owner-occupied
- 60.6%
- Renter-occupied
- 39.4%
- Vacant
- 4.8%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1974
- Average household size
- 2.68
Des Moines demographics
- Population
- 32,823
- Median age
- 38
- Under 18
- 22.2%
- 65 and older
- 17.4%
- Households
- 11,925
- Foreign-born
- 26%
- Veterans
- 7%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Des Moines ›
Education in Des Moines
33.4% of adults 25 and older in Des Moines have a bachelor's degree or higher (Washington: 39.6%), and 10.6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Des Moines
- Unemployment rate
- 7.5%State: 5.1%
- Average commute
- 31 minState: 27 min
- Work from home
- 14.7%
- Drive alone
- 68.3%
- Public transit
- 4.6%
- Walk to work
- 2.3%
- Homes with broadband
- 93.4%
Des Moines vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | 32,823 | $92,483 | $597,000 | $1,799 |
| Normandy Park | 6,659 | $162,476 | $1,014,100 | $1,893 |
| SeaTac | 32,414 | $81,104 | $519,700 | $1,660 |
| Lakeland North | 15,950 | $105,216 | $557,000 | $2,340 |
| Kent | 135,603 | $92,302 | $587,800 | $1,909 |
| Federal Way | 99,493 | $86,909 | $552,800 | $1,797 |
| Burien | 51,513 | $91,318 | $638,800 | $1,782 |
| Tukwila | 21,451 | $78,381 | $489,000 | $1,898 |
| Vashon | 9,934 | $120,571 | $790,700 | $1,670 |
More for people moving to Des Moines
Des Moines ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Des Moines: FAQ
What is the median household income in Des Moines, WA?
The median household income in Des Moines is $92,483, 6% lower than the Washington median of $98,141 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Des Moines?
The median home value in Des Moines is $597,000, compared with $564,600 in Washington.
How much is rent in Des Moines?
The median gross rent in Des Moines is $1,799 per month, about 39.8% of household income.
Is Des Moines, WA a good place to live?
Minuses: median household income 6% lower than the Washington median; home values 6% higher than the state median; an average commute of 31 minutes; unemployment of 7.5%; a poverty rate of 12.1%.
What is the median age in Des Moines?
The median age in Des Moines is 38 years (Washington: 38.3).
How long is the commute in Des Moines?
The average commute to work in Des Moines is 31 minutes; 14.7% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Des Moines?
The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 7.5% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Des Moines?
33.4% of adults in 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.
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