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West Des Moines, IA


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West Des Moines, Iowa

West Des Moines, Iowa, in Polk county, is 5 miles W of Des Moines, Iowa (center to center) and 117 miles E of Omaha, Nebraska. The people of the city are in the Des Moines metropolitan area. West Des Moines has a population of 46,403.

The People and Families of West Des Moines

In West Des Moines, about 57% of adults are married.

Wealth and Education

In 2000, West Des Moines had a median family income of $70,600. West Des Moines is full of successful families and individuals. The city has a large middle class. West Des Moines isn't a place with a large population of people in poverty. The city benefits from its educated workforce. West Des Moines, compared to most cities like it, can boast of a large population of high-income unmarried people.

Political Inclinations

In the 2004 Presidential fund-raising sweepstakes, George W. Bush came out ahead among West Des Moines residents, with $54,415. Residents gave more to the Republican party than any of the others.

West Des Moines Housing

In West Des Moines, 62% of the houses and apartments are occupied by the owners, not rented out. The city sports a large amount of seasonal housing, typically for vacation or part-time use. If you prefer houses that are on the new side, West Des Moines may be the place for you - the average age of homes here is quite young. The city has higher property taxes than most places in Iowa, which provides more money for local schools and services.

Commuting

In West Des Moines, 93% of commuters drive to work. Most residents would agree that driving around West Des Moines is a bit easier than around other cities of its size.

High Points

West Des Moines strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Iowa):

CategoryTrophy
Well-Paid Single Women
(vs. State)
Top 1%trophyWest Des Moines Well-Paid Single Women
Median Family Income
(vs. State)
Top 1%trophyWest Des Moines Median Family Income
Well-Paid Single Men
(vs. State)
Top 1%trophyWest Des Moines Well-Paid Single Men
College Educated Adults
(vs. State)
Top 1%trophyWest Des Moines College Educated Adults
Public Transportation Use
(vs. State)
Top 3%trophyWest Des Moines Public Transportation Use
People in Middle Class or Better
(vs. State)
Top 4%trophyWest Des Moines People in Middle Class or Better
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)
Top 5%trophyWest Des Moines Racial Diversity
Short Commute Times
(vs. Peers)
Top 17%West Des Moines Short Commute Times
Low Rate of Poverty
(vs. Peers)
Top 19%West Des Moines Low Rate of Poverty

Comparative Profile of West Des Moines, IA

Comparing West Des Moines to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Iowa (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Well-Paid Single Women910
Well-Paid Single Men910
Children Under 5 Years Old89
Female Share of the Population75
Male Share of the Population46
Age of the Population41
Senior Citizens31
Racial Diversity210

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Portion of People Married52
Average Household Size35

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
College Educated Adults1010
People in Middle Class or Better910
People Above Poverty99
Median Family Income810

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Short Commute Times97
Working at Home87
Public Transportation Use610
Walking and Biking to Work36

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Housing Recently Built910
Seasonal and Vacation Housing99
People Living Alone86
Affordability of Rents51
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals59
Affordability of Property Taxes41

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime84
Low Property Crime63

Detailed pages on related topics: West Des Moines travelWest Des Moines mortgages and property.

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Additional Details

West Des Moines Hotels & TravelWest Des Moines Hotels & Travel
West Des Moines hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.
West Des Moines MortgageWest Des Moines Mortgage
West Des Moines property, mortgage, and real estate.

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