Iowa Gazetteer
Also See West Des Moines, IA: ZIP Codes & Maps
The City of West Des Moines is the 7th largest city in Iowa with a population of 71,083 as of 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. West Des Moines ranks in the upper quartile for Population Density and Diversity Index when compared to the other cities, towns and Census Designated Places (CDPs) in Iowa. See peer rankings below.
The primary coordinate point for West Des Moines is located at latitude 41.5772 and longitude -93.7113 in Polk County. The formal boundaries for the City of West Des Moines encompass a land area of 46.28 sq. miles and a water area of 1.08 sq. miles. Polk County is in the Central time zone (GMT -6).
While the primary coordinates for City of West Des Moines are located in Polk County, it should be noted that the formal boundaries for this community also extend into and Dallas County.
The City of West Des Moines has a C1 Census Class Code which indicates an active incorporated place that does not serve as a county subdivision equivalent. It also has a Functional Status Code of "A" which identifies an active government providing primary general-purpose functions.
The City of West Des Moines is located within Township of Walnut, a minor civil division (MCD) of Polk County.
Source: 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
POPULATION | |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 71,083 (100%) |
| Population Density | 1,496 per sq mi |
| Diversity Index1 | 39 |
INCOME | |
| Median Household Income | $86,594 |
| Per Capita Income | $57,275 |
| Median Home Value | $309,000 |
HOUSING | |
|---|---|
| Total HU (Housing Units) | 34,006 (100%) |
| Owner Occupied HU | 18,491 (54.4%) |
| Renter Occupied HU | 13,742 (40.4%) |
| Vacant Housing Units | 1,773 (5.2%) |
HOUSEHOLDS | |
| Total Households | 32,233 |
| Average Household Size | 2.19 |
| Family Households | 16,995 (52.7%) |
The table below compares West Des Moines to the other 1,026 incorporated cities, towns and CDPs in Iowa by rank and percentile using 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates data. The location Ranked # 1 has the highest value. A location that ranks higher than 75% of its peers would be in the 75th percentile of the peer group.
| Variable Description | Rank | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Total Population | # 7 | 99th |
| Population Density | # 97 | 91st |
| Median Household Income | # 168 | 84th |
| Per Capita Income | # 35 | 97th |
| Diversity Index | # 85 | 92nd |
Additional comparisons and rankings can be made with a VERY EASY TO USE Iowa Census Data Comparison Tool.
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