Moving to Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

A complete guide to the metro

Should you move to Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is home to 709,466 residents. Over the past decade, Des Moines-West Des Moines has seen an increase in population of 1.51%, making it #53 out of 392 US Metros in population growth.

The primary occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA are Management, business, science, and arts occupations, followed by Sales and office occupations, earning a median revenue of $46,749. The median household income in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $74,208, ranking it #73.

Taking household income and the median home price of $375,000 into consideration, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA received a home affordability grade of A.

Who is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA for?

Based on the aged population, plus factors like weather and affordability, Des Moines-West Des Moines is Not great for retirees. Families are 62.9% of households, which is one consideration for why this Metro is okay for families —  C grade — and okay for singles — scoring a C.

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How Does Des Moines-West Des Moines Rank?

D
Retirement
D
Diversity
C
Professionals
C
Raising a Family
A
Affordable Living

Who Lives in Des Moines-West Des Moines?

Discover more about the people who make up the Metro

Total Population

709,466

10-Year Change

1.51%

D
Diversity Grade
White alone
80.3%
Black or African American alone
5.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone
0.3%
Asian alone
4.2%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
0%
Hispanic or Latino
7.8%

Total Households

291,147

Per Household

2.42

Men vs. Women
Female 50.2%
D
Retirement
C
Raising a Family
Under 5 years
6.4%
Under 18 years
24.6%
Over 65 years
14.2%

How does Des Moines-West Des Moines compare?

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Housing in Des Moines-West Des Moines

Buying or renting? Here’s more about real estate in the Metro

Total Households

Own vs. Rent

Own 67.1%
Rent 32.9%

Typical Age of Homes

1960 to 1979

Common Residence Type

single-family homes

Median Home Price (Q1 2023)

$375,000

Median Square Footage

1,597

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Monthly Mortgage (Median)

$1,518

Annual Property Taxes (Median)

$4,003

Moving advice

Increase your odds of a quick sale, earning more money, or saving your rental deposit by . A study by HomeLight found home sellers who invest in cleaners earned $3,700 more.

Cost of Living in Iowa

How Does Iowa Compare?

7
in Cost of Living
31
in Minimum Wage
15
in Living Wage

Iowa State Taxes

Don't forget!

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Renter’s insurance protects you, your guests, and your things. Lemonade offers renters insurance plans for as low as $5 per month.

Should you move to Iowa?

Iowa, the Hawkeye State, is synonymous with American heartland. Known for its agricultural prowess, Iowa is also a rising star in industries like manufacturing, biotechnology, and green energy. Its balance of economic opportunity, quality education, and Midwestern charm makes it an appealing choice.

Iowa’s economy is robust and diverse. While it’s a leading producer of corn and soybeans, Iowa is also home to a thriving industrial sector, with significant contributions from food processing, machinery, and biotechnology industries. Des Moines, the capital, is a major hub for the insurance industry, earning it the moniker “Hartford of the West.”

Living in Iowa means embracing the essence of the Midwest. From the lively city life in Des Moines, with its thriving arts scene and culinary delights, to the charm of smaller communities where everybody knows your name, Iowa offers a relaxed and friendly lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate activities like biking along the High Trestle Trail or boating on the Mississippi River.

Iowa is also known for its commitment to education, with highly rated public schools and prestigious higher institutions like the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.

So, if you’re seeking a state that offers a healthy work-life balance, a strong economy, excellent education, and a sense of community, Iowa might be a perfect choice. Just remember, Iowans take their state fair and their corn seriously!

Need some help with your move?

Moving labor can be hired by the hour, helping you budget for the heavy stuff or your entire move.

Des Moines-West Des Moines Economy

The industries, jobs, and economics of the Metro

Median Household Income

$74,208

US Average $74,580

Per Capita Income

$40,035

How does Des Moines-West Des Moines compare?

Primary Occupations

Management, business, science, and arts occupations

Secondary Occupations

Sales and office occupations

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines Safe?

How much crime is in the Metro?

Crime Rating: Low Crime

Total Crimes (2022)

30898

Crime Rate

Per 100,000 residents

Violent crimes: 774.5

Murder: 0.6

Violent crimes: 774.5

Explore Iowa

Check out more cities, metros, and counties, or narrow down to zip codes

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Urbandale

50613 Cedar Falls, IA

52001 Dubuque, IA

52402 Cedar Rapids, IA

50023 Ankeny, IA

52302 Marion, IA

52404 Cedar Rapids, IA

52722 Bettendorf, IA

51503 Council Bluffs, IA

52240 Iowa City, IA

50317 Des Moines, IA

50315 Des Moines, IA

50266 West Des Moines, IA

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