Living in Des Moines should be right up your alley! According to Wikipedia, the Coast Salish people lived in Des Moines for thousands of years before European settlers arrived in the 1700s. They explored the area for decades, but the settlers did not make a permanent settlement until 1867.
In 1887, a group of businessmen from Des Moines, Iowa arrived at the settlement to build a new town. The town was named Des Moines after the businessmen’s hometown. The town became a prominent lumber milling hub, and people began moving to Des Moines WA to work in the mills.
The Washington state government incorporated the community as a city in 1959. Des Moines transitioned during the late 1900s to become a prominent suburb of Seattle. What is Des Moines known for? The Des Moines nickname is “Boating Capital of the Pacific Northwest,” and Des Moines is best known today for its marinas and boating opportunities.
Is Des Moines a good place to live? Yes, it’s a great place to live, especially if you’re looking to raise a family or retire. But before you start moving to Des Moines WA, you should learn a little more about this special community. Here is what to know about Des Moines.
Where Is Des Moines?
Where is Des Moines, and what county is Des Moines in? Des Moines is in King County, inside the Seattle metropolitan area. It is 15.0 miles from Des Moines to Seattle. Des Moines WA is a suburb of Seattle, and it borders other Seattle suburbs like Normandy Park, SeaTac, Kent, and Federal Way. Des Moines borders Puget Sound and contains a few creeks, including Massey Creek. There is no Des Moines river, but you can find a Des Moines marina, public beaches, and waterfront parks easily.
King County Metro provides bus services for people living in Des Moines. Several King County Metro bus routes serve Des Moines, including Route A, a RapidRide line that provides direct access to Sea-Tac Airport. You can use the King County Metro system map to see where these routes go and the stops. Des Moines WA borders or contains several major roads, including Interstate 5, making moving to Des Moines WA easy.
Des Moines Population and Demographics
According to the US Census, the Des Moines population in 2020 was 32,888, up by 10.8% since 2010. Des Moines is a moderately-sized city in King County, though the Des Moines population is bigger than all towns and census-designated places in King County. The Des Moines population density is 5,129.1 people living in Des Moines per square mile, roughly five times higher than the countywide density.
Notable people living in Des Moines include Gregory Carroll, Darwin Jones, and Peter H. Gregory. Des Moines demographics include:
- 52.3% female, 47.7% male
- Median age of people living in Des Moines: 37.5
- Racial and ethnic composition of residents living in Des Moines: 49.1% White (45.9% non-Hispanic), 20.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% two or more races, 12.0% Asian, 10.9% Black or African American, 1.7% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, 0.6% American Indian and Pacific Islander
- Median household income of people living in Des Moines: $89,787 (roughly $5,000 less than the Washington median income)
- Educational attainment of people living in Des Moines: 89.1% of residents older than 25 have graduated high school, 33.2% have a bachelor’s degree from Highline College Campus and other schools
- Foreign-born population of residents living in Des Moines: 26.5%
Twelve percent of people living in Des Moines are 70 years old or older. Des Moines is a hub for singles, with 53.5% of residents over the age of 15 being unmarried. Des Moines is also a hub for foreign-born residents living in Washington, with its rate of foreign-born residents being 1.75 times higher than the Washington rate. Over 1,900 residents living in Des Moines were born in Mexico, while over 750 were born in the Philippines, and over 500 were born in Vietnam.
Is Des Moines WA safe? Here are its latest crime rates, according to the FBI in 2022:
- Overall Des Moines crime rate: 3,795 offenses per 100,000 residents living in Des Moines (62.6% lower than the Tacoma crime rate, 1.7% higher than the Washington rate, 63.3% higher than the national average)
- Violent Des Moines crime rate: 304 offenses per 100,000 people living in Des Moines (19.1% lower than the Washington crime rate, 17.8% lower than the national average)
- Property Des Moines crime rate: 3,491 crimes per 100,000 residents living in Des Moines (4.0% higher than the Washington rate, 78.6% higher than the national rate)
The Des Moines Police Department employs 37 police officers who respond to all emergencies in Des Moines.
Des Moines Cost of Living
You can estimate the Des Moines cost of living using Seattle cost of living statistics. The Seattle cost of living index is 144.6, meaning items in the Des Moines area cost 44.6% more than the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $151,928 to cover their expenses in the Seattle metro area.
Child care is the highest expense, at $3,029 a month ($36,348 a year), so someone living in Des Moines without children can live an affordable lifestyle. Even people moving to Des Moines WA, with children can afford living in the beach community if they find affordable community features, like renting real estate. Most people find the cost of living in Des Moines to be affordable.
Des Moines real estate is more affordable than that of neighboring communities. According to Redfin, homes for sale Des Moines have a median cost of $630,000, with an average cost per square foot of $333. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Des Moines is $1,854 a month.
Typical Des Moines* Living Expenses
- 1 pound of local cheese: $9.11
- 1 pound of oranges: $2.43
- 1 pound of potatoes: $1.40
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $4.46
- 1 pair of jeans: $65.89
- Average Des Moines* utilities per month: $238.57
Source: Numbeo
*Typical expenses actually for Seattle
Des Moines Neighborhoods | Where to Live In Des Moines
You can start living in Des Moines in a number of top Des Moines neighborhoods. Here’s what to know about the best places to live in Des Moines, including the safest neighborhoods in Des Moines.
North Hill | Best Des Moines Neighborhood for Students
North Hill is a family-friendly neighborhood located in northern Des Moines. North Hill Elementary School is at the center of the community, making it great for families with young children. It’s also home to Olympic Interim School, which is a temporary site for Des Moines-area schools that are under construction.
Students at Tyree High School currently go to class at Olympic Interim School, and Pacific Middle School students will go to Olympic starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This means that families with older children can also start moving to North Hill. According to Redfin, homes for sale in North Hill are mostly large properties with three bedrooms and over 2,000 square feet. The median price of homes for sale in North Hill is $625,000, lower than the citywide average.
Zenith | Top Des Moines Neighborhood for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Zenith is a neighborhood perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Many athletes and outdoor enthusiasts are moving to Des Moines just to live in Zenith. It’s right along Puget Sound, so you can go boating and visit top outdoor attractions like Saltwater State Park. The neighborhood is also near Des Moines Elementary School, so families with young children can live in the community.
According to Redfin, Zenith homes for sale have a median cost of $597,500. Zenith has historically been one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Des Moines, with home prices being as low as $424,500. The neighborhood contains complexes for apartments Des Moines, including Creekwood Apartments, making it suitable for renters living in Des Moines.
Des Moines Weather and Climate
Des Moines has a Mediterranean climate, with short but warm summers and cold and wet winters. According to Weather Spark, August is the warmest month of Des Moines WA weather, with an average temperature of 66 degrees and an average high of 78. Temperatures peak in early August and start to decline significantly in late August.
December is the coldest month of Des Moines weather year round, with a Des Moines average temperature of 41 degrees and an average low of 38. Temperatures don’t drop below freezing on a regular basis in Des Moines.
Des Moines weather is cloudy throughout the winter, spring, and fall. Skies are clearer and sunnier in the summer, with 70% of days in July and August being clear, mostly clear, and partly cloudy. Des Moines receives 45.5 inches of Des Moines rain and 2.9 inches of Des Moines average snowfall on average every year. Despite the high rainfall, Des Moines does not experience humidity during the summer.
August is the best month to visit Des Moines and enjoy the Des Moines climate. August is the warmest month and has the most sunshine, so you can visit outdoor attractions like public beaches in a short-sleeved shirt and shorts.
Things to Do in Des Moines
You can find so many fun things to do in Des Moines, including kid-friendly destinations! Many people enjoy shopping at various locations in the city. You can get groceries at Safeway, order outdoor supplies and clothes at Outdoor Research Outlet Store, and buy various items at NU 2 U Thrift Store.
Waterland Arcade
Waterland Arcade is a unique retro arcade and pinball bar with over 50 different games, including skee ball and air hockey. All games are unlimited free play with an entry fee of $15 per person. Waterland Arcade is also home to special events, such as pinball tournaments, DJ nights, and karaoke.
22306 Marine View Drive South, Des Moines, WA, 98198
Des Moines Beach Park
Des Moines Beach offers scenic views of the Olympic Mountains, making it perfect for picnics and photography. It’s a small beach, but it contains fishing piers and opportunities for boating and scuba diving out in Puget Sound.
Des Moines Creek Trail
Des Moines Creek Trail is a four-mile round-trip trail perfect for trail walking and light recreation. You can go dog-walking and take your kids on the trail, and the trail is free during all parts of the year. Trees along the trail provide beautiful fall colors, so Des Moines Creek Trail is a top point of interest during the fall.
2151 South 200th Street, SeaTac, WA, 98198
Additional Things to Do in Des Moines
The Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department takes care of all parks and public spaces in the city of Des Moines, including beaches along the shoreline. The department also plans special events for all residents living in Des Moines throughout the year. You can use the Des Moines events calendar to see what events are upcoming.
Des Moines Restaurants
You can enjoy plenty of different meals in Des Moines, including quick service experiences and family-friendly restaurants. Here are just some of the best restaurants in Des Moines, each with great food.
Gravity Coffee
Gravity Coffee is the best place in Des Moines for coffee. Gravity Coffee is well known for its coffee and energy drinks, including white coffee, blended coffee, and tea fusions with juice and lemonade.
1610 South 272nd Street, Des Moines, WA, 98198, 253-477-8757
Anthony’s HomePort
Anthony’s HomePort is a casual seafood restaurant well known for its fresh seafood, including mussels, oysters, and scallops. The restaurant offers specials throughout the week, including happy hour and three-course dinners on weeknights.
421 South 227th Street, Des Moines, WA, 98198, 206-824-1947
Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant
Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant is a kid-friendly Mexican restaurant that offers classic Mexican dishes, including chimichangas and fajitas. It’s also the best restaurant in Des Moines for alcoholic beverages, with a wide range of drinks, including cognac, whiskey, and margaritas.
22204 Marine View Drive South, Des Moines, WA, 98198, 206-824-1155
Des Moines Jobs
According to DataUSA, 15,341 people have jobs in Des Moines, up by 6.3% since 2013. Transportation and warehousing, health care, and retail trade are the three largest job sectors in Des Moines. Each of these sectors has median earnings of at least $90,000 a year and contributes at least 1,500 Des Moines jobs.
According to Payscale, the average Des Moines salary is $78,000, and the average hourly wage is $19.59. Major employers in Des Moines include the Federal Aviation Administration, Highline College, and Highline Public Schools. These three companies are among the best places to work in Des Moines. You can apply for additional jobs in Des Moines using Indeed and apply for City of Des Moines jobs on the municipal government’s website.
Des Moines Schools
Highline Public Schools is the official Des Moines school district that serves students living in northern Des Moines, including Des Moines high schools. You can use the Highline Public Schools districting map to see which schools your students living in Des Moines will attend. US News considers North Hill Elementary in Des Moines to be the best elementary school in the district.
US News also ranks Mount Rainier High School in Des Moines in the top 100 high schools in Washington. Students living south of South 252nd Street attend schools in the Federal Way Public Schools district. You can use the Federal Way Public Schools district map to see where your children will go to school.
Des Moines is home to a number of private schools, including Bright Light School and Bezos Academy. The Highline College campus is in Des Moines, and many college students are living in Des Moines. Some people are moving to Des Moines WA using Seattle school and university movers. Highline College is a community college with over 100 programs, including certificate and associate degree programs.
Central Washington University holds classes on the Highline College campus. You can start your education at Highline and then transfer to Central Washington University to get your bachelor’s degree. You can also get a master’s degree. The Des Moines Library serves all residents living in Des Moines.
Des Moines Statistics and Information
- County: King County
- Des Moines area: 7.41 square miles
- Des Moines zip code: 98148 and 98198
- Des Moines area code: 206
- Des Moines elevation: 190 feet
- Des Moines time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Des Moines: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), 4.2 miles from Des Moines
Des Moines Map
You can discover great Des Moines restaurants, parks, and facilities in Des Moines using this Des Moines map!
Start Living in Des Moines WA
Living in Des Moines sounds perfect! You’ll enjoy delicious restaurants, over six miles of hiking trails, and beautiful homes for sale.
Moving to Des Moines WA isn’t tricky. All Ready Moving has a team of the best Des Moines movers, with over 20 years in the moving industry. Call 360-507-2447 for a free estimate today.
