Des Moines, WA
Population 32,545 · Washington
About Des Moines, WA
Des Moines is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 32,545 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $89,787 per year, which is 19% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Des Moines features a median home value of $539,800, which is 120% above the national median of $244,900. This places Des Moines in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,727, 48% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,740 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (7,338 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (4,728 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Des Moines shows an unemployment rate of 7.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Des Moines have an average one-way commute time of 30.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
33.2% of Des Moines residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 12.1% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 8.3% Asian residents, with 26.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Des Moines Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Des Moines, WA
Compared to national averages, Des Moines has a median household income of $89,787 (19% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $539,800, which is 120% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,727 is 48% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Des Moines's income is 1% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 17% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Des Moines, WA?
Des Moines offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $89,787, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 10.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $539,800. However, Des Moines’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Des Moines has a population of 32,545 with a median age of 37.5 years. Compare Des Moines with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Des Moines
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pullman | 31,939 | $45,097 | $401,700 | Compare |
| Walla Walla | 33,766 | $65,493 | $356,600 | Compare |
| SeaTac | 31,143 | $76,517 | $483,200 | Compare |
| Spanaway | 34,322 | $94,028 | $401,000 | Compare |
| University Place | 34,850 | $94,952 | $578,100 | Compare |
| Graham | 35,090 | $115,501 | $472,800 | Compare |
| Mount Vernon | 35,312 | $73,277 | $429,300 | Compare |
| Orchards | 29,716 | $96,893 | $437,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Washington
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Des Moines With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Des Moines
What is the population of Des Moines, WA?
The population of Des Moines, WA is 32,545 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Washington.
What is the median household income in Des Moines?
The median household income in Des Moines, WA is $89,787 per year, which is 19% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Des Moines?
The median home value in Des Moines, WA is $539,800, which is 120% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Des Moines?
The median monthly rent in Des Moines, WA is $1,727, which is 48% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Des Moines?
The unemployment rate in Des Moines, WA is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Des Moines, WA a good place to live?
Des Moines offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 32,545 and a median age of 37.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Des Moines, WA?
33.2% of residents in Des Moines aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Des Moines, WA: median home value is $539,800 (120% above national), median rent is $1,727/month, and median household income is $89,787. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Des Moines?
The poverty rate in Des Moines, WA is 10.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Des Moines, WA?
Des Moines's population is 12.1% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 8.3% Asian, and 10.8% two or more races. 26.5% of residents are foreign-born.