A+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Public Schools
    A
  2. Crime & Safety
    B
  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
Population
61,266

Real Estate

Median Home Value
$188,600
National
$178,600
Median Rent
$897
National
$928
Area Feel
Suburban
Rent vs. Own
  • Rent
    40%
  • Own
    60%

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
B
Based on violent and property crime rates.
Violent Crimes
  • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
National
  • Assault
    142
    0
  • Murder
    0
    0
  • Rape
    32
    41
  • Robbery
    25
    0
Property Crimes
  • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
National
  • Burglary
    262
    1
  • Theft
    1,828
    2,081
  • Motor Vehicle Theft
    92
    0

Residents

Diversity
B+
Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
Median Household Income
$71,200
National
$53,889
Children
19%
Education Levels
National
  • Master's degree or higher
    17%
    11%
  • Bachelor's degree
    36%
    19%
  • Some college or associate's degree
    28%
    29%
  • High school diploma or equivalent
    15%
    28%
  • Less than high school diploma
    4%
    13%
  • Public Schools
  • Private Schools
  • Colleges
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West Des Moines Reviews

83 reviews
All Categories
West Des Moines is a booming city that still feels like a small-town. It is incredibly family friendly, and the job opportunities are plentiful!
Review West Des Moines
I have lived in West Des Moines a few years now, it is one of the few places in the USA that has not been hit with a natural disaster or any violent crimes. West Des Moines like anywhere has some crime, though it has hasn’t been a lot, I can count on one hand all the crime I have heard of. Some of the neighborhoods in West Des Moines are more expensive to live then other. Traffic can be annoying at times, but it's not a huge issue, especially if you know the back roads to avoid the freeway. During the summer/winter there is a lot to do. We have the Valley Junction actives. Along with Raccoon River is a great place to take your family. It has a dog park, walking trails and fishing areas. We also have a great night life. West Glen is the place to go for great restaurants and bars. There is plenty of shopping areas including Jordan Creek Mall. West Des Moines is the best place to raise your family and make new friends. We have a lot to offer.
West Des Moines is a great city to live in. It has grown so much over the last 10 years. Houses going up everywhere, new restaurants, shops and night life. Very safe area with great schools!