Cost of Living in Des Moines, WA
Population: 32,545 • 2026 Data
$89,787
Median Household Income
+16% vs national
$1,727
Median Monthly Rent
+28% vs national
$539,800
Median Home Value
+59% vs national
7.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Des Moines
The median home value in Des Moines, WA is $539,800. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,727, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $1,844.
Rent-to-income ratio: 23.1%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Des Moines, WA is $89,787. The unemployment rate stands at 7.2%, with a labor force of 16,901 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.