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CITY · 1990 CENSUS

West Des Moines

Iowa · 31,695 residents · 47.293 sq mi
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The short version

West Des Moines is significantly wealthier than the US average, with a median household income of $41,045. Population has fallen 32% since 2000, a loss of 14,708 residents. 42% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national rate of 20%. Median home value is $90,100. Poverty is rare here, at 3.3% of residents. Households here earn about 56% more than the Iowa median.

At a glance
Wealthier
above the US median
US median: $30,130
Mid-age
median age 33.2
US median: 33.0
More educated
42% hold a bachelor's degree
US average: 20%
More affordable
home values down 14%, inflation adjusted
US median home: $93,722
Section 01

Population & growth

31,695
−32%vs 2000
vs 46,403 in 2000
1990 – 2025
670 / sq mi
−32%vs 2000
vs 981 / sq mi in 2000
US average: 221
33.2
+1%vs 2000
vs 33.0 in 2000
US average: 33.0
Population, 19902024
28K40K51K63K75K1990201020202024West Des Moines
202471K
1990201020202024
Section 02

Income & economy

$41,045
Unchangedinflation adjusted, since 2000
vs $54,139 in 2000
US average: $30,130
1990 – 2024
$21,503
−32%vs 2000
vs $31,405 in 2000
US average: $14,340
3.3%
−1.2 ptsvs 2000
vs 4.5% in 2000
US average: 13.2%
Section 03

Housing

$90,100
−14%inflation adjusted, since 2000
vs $137,800 in 2000
US average: $93,722
1990 – 2024
$526
+3%inflation adjusted, since 2000
vs $674 in 2000
US average: $450
62.2%
+0.1 ptsvs 2000
vs 62.1% in 2000
37.8% rent
2.2
−14%vs 2000
vs 2.5 in 2000
1990 – 2024
RELATED:See current rent listings in West Des Moines on RentDataNow
Section 04

Race & ethnicity

2000
White, non-Hispanic91.1%(42,283)
Black1.8%(856)
Hispanic / Latino3%(1,404)
Asian2.7%(1,274)
Other0%
Diversity Score18.3%(8,483)
1990
White, non-Hispanic96.7%(30,635)
Black1.2%(388)
Hispanic / Latino2.4%(745)
Asian1.2%(387)
Other0.9%(285)
Diversity Score13.4%(4,251)
13
−27%vs 2000
vs 18 in 2000
1990 – 2024
Section 05

Education

41.8%
−6.6 ptsvs 2000
vs 48.5% in 2000
US average: 20.3%
High school or higher
94.8%
−1.5 ptsvs 2000
vs 96.3% in 2000
US average: 75.2%
12.3%
−1.8 ptsvs 2000
vs 14.1% in 2000
US average: 7.1%
Section 06

Commute & transportation

15.7 min
+52%vs 2000
vs 10.3 min in 2000
US average: 21.9
Section 07

Work & employment

No data for the years selected.

Section 08

People & community

No data for the years selected.

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Frequently asked

How many people live in West Des Moines, Iowa?

West Des Moines, Iowa has about 31,695 residents according to the 1990 Census.

What is the median household income in West Des Moines, Iowa?

The typical household in West Des Moines, Iowa earns about $41,045 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is West Des Moines, Iowa expensive?

In West Des Moines, Iowa, the median home is worth about $90,100, and the typical rent is about $526 a month.

How educated are people in West Des Moines, Iowa?

About 41.8% of adults age 25 and over in West Des Moines, Iowa hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in West Des Moines, Iowa?

About 3.3% of people in West Des Moines, Iowa live below the federal poverty line.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

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