Is West Des Moines Safe, Pros and cons of living in West Des Moines
West Des Moines, Iowa, offers a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a high quality of life. The city is renowned for its well-planned communities, abundant green spaces, and a strong sense of community that permeates its neighborhoods. Residents benefit from a robust local economy, excellent educational opportunities, and a variety of recreational and cultural amenities.
This vibrant city provides a welcoming atmosphere for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Its strategic location within the Des Moines metropolitan area ensures convenient access to a broader range of employment, entertainment, and services, while maintaining its own distinct charm and identity. West Des Moines is a place where modern conveniences meet a friendly, small-town feel, creating a desirable living environment.
Is it Safe to Live in West Des Moines?
West Des Moines generally presents a safe environment for its residents, though like any city, crime rates can vary by neighborhood. The overall crime rate in West Des Moines is reported to be lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crime rates are also noted to be below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
While statistics indicate a generally safe community, it’s important to note that crime can occur. NeighborhoodScout reports that the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in West Des Moines is 1 in 609, and the chance of property crime is 1 in 59. CrimeGrade.org indicates a violent crime rate of 2.495 per 1,000 residents in a typical year, with residents often considering the western parts of the city to be the safest.
Cost of Living and Housing
Housing Expenses
The cost of living in West Des Moines is considered to be 9% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Housing expenses in West Des Moines are approximately 7% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). The median home price in West Des Moines was $306,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin).
In March 2026, the median listing price for homes in West Des Moines was $349,900 (as reported by Realtor.com). Other sources indicate a median home price of $305,750 as of February 2026 (as reported by Zillow) and $359,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Movoto).
Rental Market
Rental prices in West Des Moines have seen an increase, with the average rent for an apartment rising by 2.11% over the past year, reaching $1,270 in April 2026 (as reported by RentCafe). The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,109 per month (as reported by RentCafe). For a two-bedroom apartment, the average rent is approximately $1,248 per month (as reported by RentCafe).
The median monthly rent in West Des Moines is $1,021 (as reported by Livability.com). Another source states the average rent for all bedrooms and property types in West Des Moines, IA is $1,600 (as reported by Zillow). Renters can expect to pay about $988 per month for a studio apartment (as reported by RentCafe).
Economic Landscape and Job Market
Key Industries and Employers
West Des Moines serves as a significant hub for insurance, financial services, and innovation, boasting a strong economy. Major employers in the city include Hy-Vee, Kum & Go, FBL Financial Group, Wells Fargo, and Collins Aerospace (as reported by West Des Moines, Iowa). These companies contribute significantly to the local job market and economic vitality.
Other prominent companies with a strong presence in West Des Moines include Athene, Iowa Realty Co., Inc., and Aspire Resources, Inc. (as reported by West Des Moines, Iowa). The financial services and healthcare sectors are particularly robust, offering a wide array of career opportunities for residents.
Employment and Wages
The average annual salary in West Des Moines is approximately $50,769 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Most salaries in the city range between $33,075 and $66,146 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Metropolitan Statistical Area had an average hourly wage of $31.09 in May 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Occupational groups with the highest employment in the Des Moines area include office and administrative support, sales and related, and business and financial operations (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The unemployment rate for the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Metropolitan Statistical Area was 3.70% in the most recent data (as reported by YCharts).
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Precipitation
West Des Moines experiences a climate with distinct seasons, typical of the Midwest. The average high temperature in April is around 60°F, with lows near 38°F (as reported by Movoto). The city receives an average annual rainfall of 36 inches (as reported by Livability.com).
The average annual snowfall in West Des Moines is also around 36 inches (as reported by Livability.com). Weather forecasts for West Des Moines show a range of conditions, with temperatures in early May potentially reaching highs in the low 70s and lows in the mid-40s (as reported by the National Weather Service).
Education and Schools
School District Performance
The West Des Moines Community School District is highly regarded, receiving an A-minus rating (as reported by Niche). This district is recognized for its quality education, ranking among the top in Iowa for various categories, including being the 18th best school district in the state (as reported by Niche).
Within the West Des Moines Community School District, elementary schools like Jordan Creek Elementary and Westridge Elementary have received top ratings (as reported by Niche). The district is also noted for its diversity, ranking 10th out of 302 districts in Iowa for diversity (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Population
Population Overview
As of the most recent data, West Des Moines has a population of approximately 71,083 people, making it the 7th most populated city in Iowa (as reported by Census Reporter). Projections estimate the population to reach around 73,457 in 2026 (as reported by Census Reporter).
The population is diverse, with White residents forming the largest group at approximately 77.4%, followed by Hispanic (6.5%) and Asian (6.3%) residents (as reported by Census Reporter). The median age in West Des Moines is 36 years (as reported by Livability.com).
Income and Household Statistics
The median household income in West Des Moines is approximately $86,594 (as reported by Census Reporter). This is notably higher than the state and national averages, indicating a strong economic standing for many households.
The poverty rate in West Des Moines is around 6.5% (as reported by Census Reporter). The median property value in West Des Moines is $195,500 (as reported by Data USA).