West Des Moines, IA
Population 69,893 · Iowa
About West Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 69,893 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $84,925 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in West Des Moines features a median home value of $286,300, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. This positions West Des Moines in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,194, 3% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 33,605 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (18,252 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (13,573 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in West Des Moines shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in West Des Moines have an average one-way commute time of 17.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
54.6% of West Des Moines residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 4.0% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 11.3% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare West Des Moines With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in West Des Moines?
The median household income in West Des Moines, IA is $84,925 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Des Moines?
The median home value in West Des Moines, IA is $286,300, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in West Des Moines?
The median monthly rent in West Des Moines, IA is $1,194, which is 3% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Des Moines?
The unemployment rate in West Des Moines, IA is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is West Des Moines, IA a good place to live?
West Des Moines offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 69,893 and a median age of 36.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is West Des Moines, IA?
54.6% of residents in West Des Moines aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in West Des Moines?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Des Moines, IA: median home value is $286,300 (17% above national), median rent is $1,194/month, and median household income is $84,925. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in West Des Moines?
The poverty rate in West Des Moines, IA is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is West Des Moines, IA?
West Des Moines's population is 4.0% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 3.6% two or more races. 11.3% of residents are foreign-born.