West Des Moines, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of West Des Moines, Iowa is 69,893 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest city in Iowa. The median household income is $84,925, the median home value is $286,300, and the median age is 36.5.
The population has grown 29.5% since 2010 (56,864 → 73,664).
69,893
Population
1472
People / sq mi
$84,925
Median Income
$286,300
Median Home Value
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West Des Moines covers 47.5 sq mi of land at 1472 people per square mile.
About West Des Moines, IA
Educational attainment is the headline number in West Des Moines: 54.6% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 69,893 residents, West Des Moines is a city in Iowa. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Iowa in the country, at #7 by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $84,925 — above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 5.6%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $286,300, with typical rent around $1,194.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US cities — 54.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 17.3%, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in West Des Moines usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
West Des Moines city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of West Des Moines city had a population of 56,864 in 2010 and 73,664 in 2024, a 29.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 73,664 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.87%.
73,664
Population (2024)
56,864
Population (2010)
73,664
Peak (2024)
1.87%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 56,864 |
| 2011 | 57,562 |
| 2012 | 58,154 |
| 2013 | 59,733 |
| 2014 | 61,827 |
| 2015 | 63,489 |
| 2016 | 64,595 |
| 2017 | 65,556 |
| 2018 | 66,605 |
| 2019 | 67,899 |
| 2020 | 68,920 |
| 2021 | 69,913 |
| 2022 | 70,751 |
| 2023 | 72,518 |
| 2024 | 73,664 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 80.4% |
| Black or African American | 3.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$84,925
Median Household Income
$55,648
Per Capita Income
5.6%
Poverty Rate
1.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$286,300
Median Home Value
$1,194
Median Rent
57.4%
Owner-Occupied
Education
96.3%
High School+
54.6%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.3%
Drive Alone
71.9%
Public Transit
17.3%
Work From Home
17.8 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
25.5%
Foreign Born
86.4%
Non-English at Home
5.6%
Veterans
9.9%
With Disability
95.9%
Health Insurance
97.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 20.8% |
| Information | 19.3% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 13.7% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 7.1% |
| Manufacturing | 6.3% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.4% |
| Retail Trade | 5.0% |
| Construction | 3.6% |
| Public Administration | 3.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.5% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.6% |
Largest cities in Iowa
Largest counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
West Des Moines, Iowa has a population of 69,893 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest city in Iowa.
The median household income in West Des Moines, Iowa is $84,925, with 5.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in West Des Moines, Iowa is $286,300, with median monthly rent at $1,194 and a homeownership rate of 57.4%.
The median age in West Des Moines, Iowa is 36.5 years. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female.
The population has grown 29.5% since 2010 (56,864 → 73,664).
West Des Moines city, IA Climate
West Des Moines city, IA has an average annual temperature of 9.8°C (50°F) and receives about 859 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.8°C
Avg Temp
859
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 20° | 23 mm |
| February | -3° / 26° | 26 mm |
| March | 3° / 38° | 55 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 87 mm |
| May | 16° / 62° | 106 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 119 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 101 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 104 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 90 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 68 mm |
| November | 3° / 37° | 49 mm |
| December | -4° / 25° | 31 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 West Des Moines city, IA
The most comfortable months to visit West Des Moines city, IA are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near West Des Moines
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.