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West Des Moines, IA

Frequently asked questions

West Des Moines, IA

West Des Moines is a city in Iowa, United States. A majority of the city is located in Polk County, a minority of the city is located in Dallas County, and small portions extend into Warren and Madison Counties. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 68,723. West Des Moines is the second-most populous city in the Des Moines metropolitan area and the sixth-most populous city in Iowa.

The West Des Moines area used to be home to the Sac and Fox tribes. Near the stroke of midnight on October 11, 1845, a gunshot was fired by a cattle farmer, James Cunningham Jordan (1813–1893) to declare that the area was open for Anglo-European settlement. His residence, the Jordan House, has been restored and is now home to the West Des Moines Historical Society. The Jordan House was a stop on the Underground Railroad, and abolitionist John Brown stayed on Jordan property multiple times, at least once while escorting a group of freedom-seeking slaves to Canada. In West Des Moines' early years, the town was a trading and shipping junction. West Des Moines was incorporated as the city of Valley Junction on October 9, 1893.

By 1937, only two trains stopped daily; the sagging business climate needed a boost. Members of the commercial club believed the only way to attract new industries would be to change the name of the city. They thought the name "Valley Junction" conveyed the image of an old-fashioned and backward town to prospective employers and residents. The name "West Des Moines" would give it the respectability and prestige the town desperately needed. There was a precedent by way of an editorial in the Valley Junction Express in 1905 that suggested dropping "Junction" from the name, but nothing came of it. The opposition feared the change to West Des Moines would cause property owners to be taxed the same as in Des Moines. It was also declared as a step toward annexation by Des Moines. A third and final election was held on December 7, 1937.

On January 1, 1938, the name "Valley Junction" was relegated to the past, and the new city of West Des Moines took the first steps to a new identity. Helping to establish this new identity, the most identifiable trait was the suspension of all property taxes between 1936 and 1938. This was due to the profits of the water department. Today the original business district of West Des Moines has been preserved as Historic Valley Junction. It features many locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants as well as a weekly farmers' market.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 39.48 square miles (102.25 km²), of which 38.59 square miles (99.95 km²) is land and 0.89 square miles (2.31 km²) is water. West Des Moines' location in the Raccoon River valley has left parts of the city, particularly the Valley Junction area, prone to flooding. After the Great Flood of 1993, a floodwall was constructed along Walnut Creek (near the boundary with Des Moines) to protect that area.

West Des Moines places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Planet Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. For fitness enthusiasts, the Valley Community Center provides extensive programs and classes. Yoga Six offers a variety of yoga classes to cater to all skill levels. For aquatic activities, the Valley View Aquatic Center provides both recreational and lap swimming. The Aspen Athletic Clubs offers comprehensive fitness services including group classes and personal training. The Walnut Creek Family YMCA is another excellent option for community wellness and fitness programs.

Top sites in West Des Moines, IA are Jordan Creek Town Center, Raccoon River Park, Jordan House, and Val Air Ballroom.

Population: 72,205 (2023). ZIP codes: 50263-50266. Area code: 515. Elevation: 955 ft (291 m). Area: 48.22 sq mi (124.88 km²).

FAQs

Is West Des Moines, IA affluent?

The economy of West Des Moines, IA employs 36,386 people. The economy of West Des Moines, IA is specialized in Finance & Insurance; Professional, Scientific, Tech Services; and Management of Companies & Enterprises, which employ respectively 4.58; 1.42; and 1.34 times more people than what would be expected in a location of this size. Median household income in West Des Moines, IA is $70,906. Males in West Des Moines, IA have an average income that is 1.48 times higher than the average income of females, which is $55,249. Households in West Des Moines, IA have a median annual income of $70,906, which is more than the median annual income in the United States.

Is West Des Moines, IA a good area?

West Des Moines is a town in Iowa with a population of 68,744. West Des Moines is in Polk County and is one of the best places to live in Iowa. Living in West Des Moines offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes. In West Des Moines there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in West Des Moines and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in West Des Moines are highly rated.

What is the crime rate in West Des Moines, IA?

The crime rate in West Des Moines is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 20 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in West Des Moines is 1 in 51. Based on FBI crime data, West Des Moines is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Iowa, West Des Moines has a crime rate that is higher than 92% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of West Des Moines

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

WDM Chamber

Jordan Creek Town Center

Raccoon River Park

Jordan House

Val Air Ballroom

MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center

Planet Fitness

Valley Community Center

Yoga Six

Valley View Aquatic Center

Aspen Athletic Clubs

Walnut Creek Family YMCA

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