Town
West Des Moines
- grade A+Overall Grade
- Town in Iowa
- Rating 4.26 out of 5 127 reviews
Report Card
- Public Schoolsgrade A
- Crime & Safetygrade C+
- Housinggrade A minus
- Nightlifegrade A
- Good for Familiesgrade A+
- Diversitygrade B+
- Jobsgrade A
- Weathergrade B minus
- Cost of Livinggrade B
- Health & Fitnessgrade A minus
- Outdoor Activitiesgrade B
- Commutegrade A minus
editorial
About
Real Estate
Median Home Value
$218,500
National
$217,500Median Rent
$1,017
National
$1,062Sponsored Mortgage Options for West Des Moines
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Map
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
grade C+
Based on violent and property crime rates.
Violent Crimes
- Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
- Assault160national 282.7
- Murder1.5national 6.1
- Rape32.3national 40.7
- Robbery28.9national 135.5
Property Crimes
- Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
- Burglary224national 500.1
- Theft1,974.7national 2,042.8
- Motor Vehicle Theft106.7national 284
Residents
Working in West Des Moines
Jobs
grade A
Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
Median Household Income
$76,368
National
$62,843Top Public Schools Serving West Des Moines
- grade A
Valley High School
- Rating 3.81 out of 5 432 reviews
- grade A
Waukee Senior High School
- Rating 4.08 out of 5 428 reviews
- grade A
Brookview Elementary School
- Rating 3 out of 5 7 reviews
- grade A minus
Waukee South Middle School
- Rating 5 out of 5 1 review
- grade A minus
Van Meter Junior/Senior High School
- Rating 3.74 out of 5 34 reviews
Top Private Schools in West Des Moines
Similar Places
West Des Moines Reviews
Rating 4.26 out of 5 127 reviews
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While being very close to the Jordan Creek Mall, lots of restaurants, fun activities, large retail stores, hotels and much more, West Des Moines is an amazing city. With short commute times and amazing people, West Des Moines is an excellent place to live or just to visit!
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.
My family relocated here for a job. We have lived several places in the midwest. West Des Moines is very different than other midwest cities, in some ways good and some ways not so much. First of all, the people in this area are VERY consumerism-driven, not just goods but services. The economy seems above-average here and spending in all categories seems robust. However, if you are not making very good money here, you will no doubt feel marginalized. There are stark differences between the "haves" and the "have nots." It amazes me what people spend money on (ex: $1,000+ to hang Christmas lights). Work ethic does not seem as high as in other midwest areas. There is very much a "just pay the help to do it" mentality. I have noticed this across middle income brackets as well as upper. Also, driving here is HORRENDOUS. Iowa seems to have more than it's fair share of bad drivers. Blatant cell phone use, speeding, lack of blinkers, cutting lanes when turning, and just rude drivers.