West Des Moines, IA—50266
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Other Zip Codes in West Des Moines, IA
Home Price Trends — West Des Moines, IA
As of Oct '25, the median home price in West Des Moines, IA is $329,000, with a year-over-year change of 0.7%. This indicates that home prices in West Des Moines, IA are flat. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 0.2%, suggesting a relatively flat housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $329,000 | 0.7% |
| Single Family | $392,000 | 0.5% |
| Condos | $204,000 | 1.0% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $140,000 | 2.9% |
2 Bed | $205,000 | 1.0% |
3 Bed | $330,000 | 1.2% |
4 Bed | $454,000 | 0.7% |
| 5 Bed | $601,000 | 0.2% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — West Des Moines, IA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in West Des Moines, IA is $1,500, with a year-over-year rent change of -26.5%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in West Des Moines, IA is studios: $1,070, 1-bedrooms: $1,390, 2-bedrooms: $1,480, 3-bedrooms: $2,060, 4-bedrooms: $2,530. The most common rental property sizes in West Des Moines, IA are 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom, accounting for 50.6% and 25.9% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,170 | $1,500 |
| Studio Rent | $1,100 | $1,070 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,240 | $1,390 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,480 | $1,480 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,950 | $2,060 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $2,500 | $2,530 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — West Des Moines, IA
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in West Des Moines, IA is 67. This is a increase of 24.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market longer than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 26.0%, representing a large inventory and a lot of supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $370,000 | -11.0% |
Listing Count | 273 | 23.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.7% | 23.0% |
Days on Market | 67 | 24.0% |
Demographics — West Des Moines, IA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, West Des Moines, IA has a population of 36,800, which has increased by 27.2% over the past 5 years. West Des Moines, IA is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 19.6% of the population. The area has a highly educated workforce, with 60.0% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 19.3% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 36,800 | 27.2% |
% Under 18 | 19.6% | -10.1% |
% Seniors | 13.3% | 15.7% |
% WFH | 19.3% | 503.1% |
% w/ College Degree | 60.0% | -2.8% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, West Des Moines, IA is a predominantly white area, with 79.8% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 1.8% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in West Des Moines, IA is asian, making up 8.0% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 12.1% of the population in West Des Moines, IA, and this percentage has decreased by 9.0% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting fewer immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 79.8% | -1.8% |
% Black | 2.9% | -27.5% |
% Hispanic | 5.1% | 21.4% |
% Asian | 8.0% | -7.0% |
% Foreign Born | 12.1% | -9.0% |
Mortgage and Risk — West Des Moines, IA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 663 mortgage originations in West Des Moines, IA, of which 92.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 57.0%, with 16.0% above 90% LTV (elevated). This implies medium mortgage risk in West Des Moines, IA. Investor activity is low, as 3.0% of loans were by investors. 5.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting few homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 663 |
% Conventional Loans | 92.0% |
% Government Loans | 8.0% |
% Investor Loans | 3.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 5.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — West Des Moines, IA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in West Des Moines, IA under the Section 8 program is 3.0%. This is considered low, suggesting that the neighborhood is sparsely composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. 3-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in West Des Moines, IA, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 301 |
Total Units Section 8 | 301 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 3.0% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 94.2% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | -$10 | $1,240 | $1,230 |
| 2 Bedroom | -$10 | $1,480 | $1,470 |
| 3 Bedroom | $20 | $1,950 | $1,970 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$520 | $2,500 | $1,980 |
Affordability — West Des Moines, IA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3.7 |
| Median Home Price | $329,000 |
| Median Household Income | $85,300 |