West Des Moines stands as a dynamic hub for innovation, commerce, and community. Strategically positioned in the heart of Iowa, our city offers a robust infrastructure, a highly educated workforce, and a commitment to fostering business growth. Whether you’re considering relocating, expanding, or starting anew, West Des Moines provides the resources and support to help your business thrive.
Population: 69,893 residents (2023, U.S. Census Bureau)
Median Household Income: $100,000
Number of Employees: 36,386
Median Property Value: $195,500
Average Commute Time: 16.4 minutes
Educational Attainment: Over 53% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher
Languages Spoken: 79 languages represented in West Des Moines Public Schools
Business Cost: 18% lower than the national average
Cost of Doing Business: 2nd lowest in the nation
West Des Moines boasts a diverse economic landscape, with key industries driving growth:
Finance & Insurance: Home to major financial institutions and insurance companies
Healthcare & Social Assistance: A growing sector with numerous medical facilities
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: A hub for IT, legal, and consulting firms
Retail Trade: A vibrant retail environment attracting both local and national brands
Manufacturing: A strong base supporting both traditional and advanced manufacturing
West Des Moines offers a range of financial incentives to support business development at various stages:
High Quality Jobs Program: Provides loans, forgivable loans, tax credits, exemptions, and/or refunds to offset costs incurred during the establishment, expansion, or modernization of a facility
Property Tax Rebate Program: Encourages renovation and redevelopment of vacant or underutilized properties through a five-year, 100% rebate of tax increment revenues
Opportunity Zones: Targeted areas eligible for tax incentives to stimulate investment and development
Small Business Impact Loan Program: Offers low-interest loans to businesses with 20 or fewer full-time employees to fill financing gaps
For more detailed information on these programs and to determine eligibility, please visit our Incentives page.