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Population Review

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

Des Moines covers 6.4 sq mi of land at 5074 people per square mile.

About Des Moines, WA

Des Moines is a city in Washington with a population of 32,545. It ranks #42 among cities in Washington by population. The median age is 37.5, younger than the national median. The population is 47.7% male and 52.3% female.

The median household income in Des Moines is $89,787, above the US median of $74,580. 6.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $539,800, with monthly rent averaging $1,727. The homeownership rate of 60.8% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Des Moines reflects 33.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 12.6% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 30.6 minutes each way.

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%.

2024 · 33K20102024

33,207

Population (2024)

29,743

Population (2010)

33,207

Peak (2024)

0.79%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201029,743
201130,077
201230,458
201330,669
201431,027
201531,279
201631,346
201731,429
201832,250
201932,348
202032,889
202132,676
202232,473
202332,820
202433,207

Race & Ethnicity

White49.1%
Black or African American10.9%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)2.6%
Two or More Races0.0%

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 & Management18.1%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate14.0%
Retail Trade12.2%
Education, Health Care & Social Services10.2%
Construction8.0%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services6.7%
Manufacturing6.4%
Information4.7%
Public Administration3.7%
Transportation & Warehousing1.9%
Agriculture & Mining0.5%

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).

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.