Des Moines, Washington Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Des Moines, Washington is 32,545 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 42nd-largest city in Washington. The median household income is $89,787, the median home value is $539,800, and the median age is 37.5.
The population has grown 11.6% since 2010 (29,743 → 33,207).
32,545
Population
5074
People / sq mi
$89,787
Median Income
$539,800
Median Home Value
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Des Moines covers 6.4 sq mi of land at 5074 people per square mile.
About Des Moines, WA
Des Moines stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US cities, at roughly 5,074 people per square mile. Des Moines is a city in Washington with a population of 32,545. It ranks #42 among cities in Washington by population.
Median household income is $89,787, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 6.2%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $539,800, with typical rent around $1,727.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 33.2% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 12.6% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 31 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Des Moines: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Des Moines city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Des Moines city had a population of 29,743 in 2010 and 33,207 in 2024, a 11.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 33,207 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.79%.
33,207
Population (2024)
29,743
Population (2010)
33,207
Peak (2024)
0.79%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 29,743 |
| 2011 | 30,077 |
| 2012 | 30,458 |
| 2013 | 30,669 |
| 2014 | 31,027 |
| 2015 | 31,279 |
| 2016 | 31,346 |
| 2017 | 31,429 |
| 2018 | 32,250 |
| 2019 | 32,348 |
| 2020 | 32,889 |
| 2021 | 32,676 |
| 2022 | 32,473 |
| 2023 | 32,820 |
| 2024 | 33,207 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 49.1% |
| Black or African American | 10.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$89,787
Median Household Income
$42,963
Per Capita Income
6.2%
Poverty Rate
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$539,800
Median Home Value
$1,727
Median Rent
60.8%
Owner-Occupied
Education
89.1%
High School+
33.2%
Bachelor's+
Commute
6.1%
Drive Alone
70.1%
Public Transit
12.6%
Work From Home
30.6 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
25.4%
Foreign Born
64.5%
Non-English at Home
7.2%
Veterans
13.0%
With Disability
90.0%
Health Insurance
97.2%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 18.1% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 14.0% |
| Retail Trade | 12.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.2% |
| Construction | 8.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 6.7% |
| Manufacturing | 6.4% |
| Information | 4.7% |
| Public Administration | 3.7% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.9% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.5% |
Largest cities in Washington
Largest counties in Washington
Part of Washington
Metro areas in Washington
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Des Moines, Washington has a population of 32,545 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 42nd-largest city in Washington.
The median household income in Des Moines, Washington is $89,787, with 6.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Des Moines, Washington is $539,800, with median monthly rent at $1,727 and a homeownership rate of 60.8%.
The median age in Des Moines, Washington is 37.5 years. The population is 47.7% male and 52.3% female.
The population has grown 11.6% since 2010 (29,743 → 33,207).
Des Moines city, WA Climate
Des Moines city, WA has an average annual temperature of 10.7°C (51°F) and receives about 997 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.7°C
Avg Temp
997
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 39° | 138 mm |
| February | 5° / 42° | 110 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 102 mm |
| April | 10° / 49° | 75 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 49 mm |
| June | 16° / 60° | 41 mm |
| July | 18° / 64° | 24 mm |
| August | 18° / 65° | 29 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 45 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 81 mm |
| November | 7° / 44° | 150 mm |
| December | 4° / 39° | 153 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Des Moines city, WA
The most comfortable months to visit Des Moines city, WA are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 25°C high). The coldest is December (near 1°C low). December is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Des Moines
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Statewide data for Washington
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Washington
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.