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Des Moines

West Des Moines

#1 in Best Places to Live in Polk County
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • Town in Iowa
  • 113 reviews
    A+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Public Schools
      A
    2. Crime & Safety
      C+
    3. Housing
      A-
    4. Nightlife
      A
    5. Good for Families
      A+
    6. Diversity
      B+
    7. Jobs
      A
    8. Weather
      B-
    9. Cost of Living
      B
    10. Health & Fitness
      A
    11. Outdoor Activities
      B
    12. Commute
      A-
    View Full Report Card
    West Des Moines is a town in Iowa with a population of 64,400. West Des Moines is in Polk County and is one of the best places to live in Iowa. Living in West Des Moines offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes. In West Des Moines there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in West Des Moines and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in West Des Moines are highly rated.
    About West Des Moines...
    Population
    64,400

    Real Estate

    Median Home Value
    $210,200
    National
    $184,700
    Median Rent
    $988
    National
    $949
    Area Feel
    Urban Suburban Mix
    Rent vs. Own
    • Rent
      39%
    • Own
      61%
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    West Des Moines Rankings

    Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and and expert insights.

    Crime & Safety

    Crime & Safety
    C+
    Based on violent and property crime rates.
    Violent Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Assault
      160
      282.7
    • Murder
      1.5
      6.1
    • Rape
      32.3
      40.7
    • Robbery
      28.9
      135.5
    Property Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Burglary
      224
      500.1
    • Theft
      1,974.7
      2,042.8
    • Motor Vehicle Theft
      106.7
      284

    Residents

    Diversity
    B+
    Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
    Age
    • <10 years
      13%
    • 10-17 years
      10%
    • 18-24 years
      8%
    • 25-34 years
      19%
    • 35-44 years
      14%
    • 45-54 years
      13%
    • 55-64 years
      11%
    • 65+ years
      13%
    Education Levels
    National
    • Master's degree or higher
      19%
      12%
    • Bachelor's degree
      36%
      19%
    • Some college or associate's degree
      27%
      29%
    • High school diploma or equivalent
      14%
      28%
    • Less than high school diploma
      4%
      13%

    Working in West Des Moines

    Jobs
    A
    Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
    Median Household Income
    $74,787
    National
    $55,322
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    West Des Moines Reviews

    113 reviews
    All Categories
    If you are looking for a good place to get a job, buy a house, or start a family, then West Des Moines is perfect for you. The city of West Des Moines is a growing city with opportunities coming up left and right. With very low unemployment, it is easy to find a job with many openings coming up as new businesses open their doors. The cost of living is also relatively low with brand new housing developments being built. This makes it easy to find a nice, reliable house that is affordable. No need for private school in West Des Moines as the public school system, West Des Moines Community Schools, is top tier with Valley High School having well educated staff with many different types of classes, including over 50 different English courses. Raccoon River Park provides a place for families to swim, bike, or run with beach access to the reservoir, and even a dog park! Perfect for growing families or getting a fresh start, West Des Moines is full of new opportunities.
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    The people live up to the "Iowa nice" reputation! There are great public schools, as well as options for private. Shopping and dining options have greatly increased over the past ten years. Cost of living and taxes are also lower than most places. My biggest complaints would be 1)the harsh winter weather and 2)the relatively small airport if you enjoy traveling...(though getting through security usually only takes 10 minutes!).
    I have lived in West Des Moines for 12 years and have seen it evolve! Iowa is one of the top places to live in the country! The West Des Moines school system is great! We have new hotels , restaurants, beautiful homes and apartments. HyVee grocery store is state-of-the-art! Everything I need within 10 minutes from where I live! I've been a widow for 13 years and I feel safe living in the West Des Moines area.