West Des Moines, IA Census Data
The 7th largest city in Iowa by population · 11 cities ranked
West Des Moines is the 7th largest city in Iowa by population and ranks 2nd of 11 for median household income. With 69,893 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 9 other Iowa cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
69,893
50.1% male · 49.9% female
Median Age
36.5
2.2 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$84,925
$6,387 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
54.6%
19.6% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 96.3%
Poverty Rate
7.3%
5.1% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 4.1%
Broadband Access
97.0%
7.3% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$286,300
Median rent: $1,194 · 57% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
Labor force participation: 71.9%
Per Capita Income
$51,642
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
5.6%
Disability rate: 9.9%
How West Des Moines Compares to Other Iowa Cities
Rankings among all 11 Iowa cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 7th of 11 | Bottom half |
| Highest Median Income | 2nd of 11 | Top 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 2nd of 11 | Top 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 3rd of 11 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 2nd of 11 | Top 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
West Des Moines, IA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of West Des Moines, IA?
The population of West Des Moines, IA is 69,893 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 36.5 years.
What is the median household income in West Des Moines?
The median household income in West Des Moines, IA is $84,925, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $51,642.
What is the poverty rate in West Des Moines?
The poverty rate in West Des Moines, IA is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 4.1% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of West Des Moines residents have a college degree?
54.6% of adults (25+) in West Des Moines hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 96.3% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in West Des Moines?
The median home value in West Des Moines, IA is $286,300. Median rent is $1,194 per month, with 57% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of West Des Moines?
West Des Moines's population is 80.4% White, 3.6% Black, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, and 7.3% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does West Des Moines rank among Iowa cities?
West Des Moines is the 7th largest city in Iowa by population, the 2nd highest for median household income, the 2nd lowest for poverty rate, the 3rd highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 11 ranked Iowa cities.
What is the unemployment rate in West Des Moines?
The unemployment rate in West Des Moines, IA is 2.5%, with a labor force participation rate of 71.9%. Per capita income is $51,642.
Cities Similar to West Des Moines
Other Iowa cities with comparable population and income levels.