West Des Moines, IA
Population 69,893 · Iowa
About West Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines is a mid-sized city in Iowa with a population of 69,893 residents. The median household income is $84,925 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in West Des Moines is 36.5 years.
Housing in West Des Moines has a median home value of $286,300 and median monthly rent of $1,194. Of the 33,605 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 18,252 owner-occupied and 13,573 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in West Des Moines is 2.5% and the poverty rate is 7.3%. 54.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 17.8 minutes.
How West Des Moines Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in West Des Moines, IA
Compared to national averages, West Des Moines has a median household income of $84,925 (13% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $286,300, which is 17% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,194 is 3% above the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, West Des Moines's income is 25% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 117% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in West Des Moines, IA?
West Des Moines offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $84,925, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and a well-educated community where 54.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.8 minutes.
West Des Moines has a population of 69,893 with a median age of 36.5 years. Compare West Des Moines with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near West Des Moines
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ankeny | 70,542 | $106,603 | $311,300 | Compare |
| Waterloo | 66,947 | $56,344 | $150,200 | Compare |
| Ames | 66,112 | $60,102 | $263,800 | Compare |
| Iowa City | 75,264 | $57,533 | $273,600 | Compare |
| Council Bluffs | 62,564 | $64,092 | $164,300 | Compare |
| Dubuque | 59,271 | $64,985 | $193,100 | Compare |
| Sioux City | 85,651 | $65,473 | $162,600 | Compare |
| Urbandale | 46,026 | $113,086 | $318,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about West Des Moines
What is the population of West Des Moines, IA?
The population of West Des Moines, IA is 69,893 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in West Des Moines?
The median household income in West Des Moines, IA is $84,925 per year.
What is the median home value in West Des Moines?
The median home value in West Des Moines, IA is $286,300.
What is the average rent in West Des Moines?
The median monthly rent in West Des Moines, IA is $1,194.
What is the unemployment rate in West Des Moines?
The unemployment rate in West Des Moines, IA is 2.5%.