West Des Moines, Iowa

Iowa community balancing growth and livability

Midwest Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Metro

WhereAtHome Score

77.1

C+

out of 100

Overview

West Des Moines is an Iowa city with a population of approximately 72,205, part of the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metropolitan area. The median home value is approximately $325,031. Median household income is $82,345.

Key Highlights

  • Population of approximately 72,205 (2023 Census estimate)
  • Median home value of $325,031 (Zillow ZHVI)
  • Median household income of $82,345 (Census ACS)
  • Average commute time of 17.8 minutes
  • Part of the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area

Key Metrics

Population 2023

72,205

Source: Census ACS

$325,031

Source: Zillow ZHVI

$82,345

Source: Census ACS

17.8 min

Source: Census ACS

Walk Score 2026

34

Source: Walk Score

103 (100 = U.S. avg)

Source: AreaVibes / BLS

2024 Presidential Election

Polk County (county-level results)

55%
44%
Democrat 140,075
Republican 112,240
Leans D+10.9

Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more

Score Breakdown

6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.

Housing Affordability 63.2/100

Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)

Income vs Housing 69.8/100

How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)

Commute Time 79.4/100

Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)

Crime 65/100

Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)

Walkability 34/100

Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)

Purchasing Power 51.9/100

Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)

WhereAtHome Score 77.1

Location

West Des Moines, IA (41.5805, -93.7447)
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Last Updated: 2026-07-01

Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.