West Des Moines

West Des Moines, Iowa Overview

With a composite score of 62.1/100 and a A grade, West Des Moines ranks #4 of 20 cities in Iowa. Its strongest showing is in Safety (80/100), while Outdoor Access (22/100) represents its largest gap.

Income & Employment in West Des Moines

The median household income in West Des Moines is $83,637, 15% above the statewide median of $72,429. The local unemployment rate of 2.4% is lower than the state’s 3%. Population grew 1.6% recently.

Safety in West Des Moines

At 174.4 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, West Des Moines sits meaningfully below the Iowa average of 295 — a 69% lower gap. The property crime rate is 2221.2 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in West Des Moines

West Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92.7 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $286,300. Median monthly rent is $1,194. Renters spend 17.1% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in West Des Moines

The adult obesity rate in West Des Moines is 33.6% (CDC PLACES). The diabetes prevalence rate is 8.6%. Residents report an average of 15.5 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Iowa ranks #22 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in West Des Moines

West Des Moines’s high school graduation rate of 96% is well above average, reflecting strong local school performance. The student-teacher ratio is 15.4:1. Per-pupil spending is $13,542. The city has 13 public schools serving 8,818 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in West Des Moines

The annual average temperature in West Des Moines is 53.2°F. Summers average 74.6°F. Winters average 31°F. Annual precipitation is 28.1 inches. The average commute of 15.2 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions