Des Moines, Washington Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Des Moines, Washington had a total population of 32,823, the 42nd largest city in Washington, with a median household income of $92,483, which is 6% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 12.1%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Washington (diversity index: 73/100).
Des Moines Quick Facts
How Des Moines Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 32,545 | 32,823 | +0.9% |
| Median household income | $89,787 | $92,483 | +3.0% |
| Median home value | $539,800 | $597,000 | +10.6% |
How Des Moines Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 56 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Des Moines Rankings in Washington
Explore Washington Rankings
Other Cities in King County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | 754,195 | $123,860 | 9.9% | $938,600 |
| Bellevue | 151,847 | $165,576 | 7.2% | $1,340,300 |
| Kent | 135,603 | $92,302 | 10.8% | $587,800 |
| Renton | 105,317 | $100,432 | 8.1% | $672,600 |
| Federal Way | 99,493 | $86,909 | 13.0% | $552,800 |
| Kirkland | 92,621 | $150,414 | 6.1% | $1,115,400 |
| Auburn | 85,676 | $97,884 | 8.9% | $547,900 |
| Redmond | 77,353 | $162,560 | 5.6% | $1,167,800 |
| Sammamish | 66,463 | $239,690 | 4.3% | $1,407,300 |
| Shoreline | 61,431 | $112,751 | 8.8% | $811,100 |
Cities Similar to Des Moines
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spanaway | 34,019 | $98,251 | $445,700 | 16.6% | 8.8% |
| SeaTac | 32,414 | $81,104 | $519,700 | 26.4% | 9.3% |
| University Place | 34,911 | $99,031 | $624,800 | 42.1% | 8.2% |
| Orchards | 29,438 | $100,146 | $461,700 | 24.8% | 10.5% |
| Mount Vernon | 35,377 | $75,777 | $472,300 | 27.9% | 16.1% |
Population Overview
Des Moines is a mid-sized community located in Washington, within King County. The total population is 32,823. It ranks as the 42nd most populous out of 628 Census-designated places in Washington.
Age Demographics
The median age in Des Moines is 38.0 years. This is about the same as the state median of 38.3 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Des Moines is $92,483. This is 6% lower than the state median of $98,141. It is also 15% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 12.1%. This is 22% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 7.5%. This is 47% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $597,000. Housing costs are 6% higher than the state median of $564,600. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.5x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 60.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 5% lower than the state average of 63.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
Des Moines is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 19.8%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (12.7% vs 3.9%).
Education
33.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 16% lower than the state rate of 39.6%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Des Moines, Washington is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Washington state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 628 Census-designated places in Washington. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Des Moines, Washington?
Des Moines, Washington has a population of 32,823 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Des Moines, WA?
The median household income in Des Moines is $92,483, which is 15% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Des Moines, WA?
The poverty rate in Des Moines is 12.1%. This means approximately 3,903 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Des Moines, Washington?
Des Moines's population is 44.0% White, 12.7% Black, 19.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 12.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Des Moines, WA?
The median home value in Des Moines is $597,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.5x.
How educated is Des Moines, Washington?
33.4% of adults (25+) in Des Moines hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.