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).
Where to stay in Des Moines
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.