Cost of Living in West Des Moines, IA
Population 71,083 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in West Des Moines, IA is $1,237/month, 27% higher than the Iowa median and 12% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $309,000, 7% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $86,594 a year, 15% higher than the state median.
Affordability
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West Des Moines vs. Iowa vs. U.S.
| West Des Moines | Iowa | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,237 | $972 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $309,000 | $208,000 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $86,594 | $75,059 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 57.4% | 71.7% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 54.9% | 31.4% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 8.4% | 11.1% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% | 3.6% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 19.1% | 11.3% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 36.0 | 38.6 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in West Des Moines, IA?
The median gross rent in West Des Moines, IA is $1,237 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in West Des Moines, IA?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $49,480 a year in gross income.
Is West Des Moines, IA expensive to live in?
Rent there is 12% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 3.6 times the median household income.
Other cities in Iowa
Cities with a similar cost of living
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
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