About Des Moines, WA

Our region is rapidly growing and so is Des Moines. 

Des Moines has been allocated new growth targets of 3,800 housing units and 2,380 jobs for this planning period. 

As Des Moines grows we have seen an increase in multifamily housing units as well as an increase in households who rent. 

Des Moines’ transportation system is comprised of several features, including streets, sidewalks, bicycle

facilities, trails, state highways, King County Metro transit, and by 2024 Sound Transit light rail services. The City’s responsibility is to provide a reasonably safe, efficient, and dependable

transportation system for residents and businesses.

In 2022 the City ran a pilot ferry to Seattle.

Des Moines is comprised of 9 unique Neighborhoods. 

Since incorporation, several annexations have given us our borders and added neighborhoods with their own identities and beautiful features.

Future light rail transit is bringing new transit-oriented communities featuring residences, jobs & services to our eastern border.

Des Moines is home to 46+ unique parks ranging from State Parks to Mini-Parks in addition to nearly 5 miles of trails. And we have plans to grow our network. Check out the 2022-2027 PRSS Master Plan

The Parks & Recreation department offers a variety of recreational activities for youth, adults, and seniors alike. 

City of Des Moines Residents are served by Highline Public Schools & Federal Way Public Schools.

Highline College is located in Des Moines and offers over 100 degrees and certificates for students in higher education.

Des Moines had a population of 32,689 in 2020 according to the U.S. Census.

Des Moines is also becoming more racially and ethnically diverse.

US Census Data shows that 17.9% of residents are over 65 years of age and 21% are youth. 

Des Moines is rich in beauty and natural resources that include the Puget Sound shoreline, hillsides and

bluffs, urban forests, streams and wetlands, fish, wildlife and open space. These defining

features of our City are valued by our citizens and are important for us to protect.

The City has many different industries that further the economic development goals, emphasized by our new 2.5 million square foot business park that created 4,000 new jobs within the City. A vibrant and growing downtown that offers restaurants, shopping, and entertainment; and its proximity to our beloved marina, presents the City with many opportunities to consider.

The historic Des Moines Theater is undergoing a renovation bringing 18 dwelling units to our city.

Upon completion, the team aims to to return the theater to an operating movie theater as well as a performing arts center for live music, plays as well making it available for community and private events.

Wesley Choice Des Moines has embarked on a multi-phase  redevelopment project that aims to bring new living, dining, recreational, and healthcare facilities to guests and visitors alike. 

Construction is ongoing!

Visit their website here

The Federal Aviation Administration built their Northwest Mountain Region office in the Business Park zone north of S. 216th St. 

There, FAA officials work to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible air travel in the following states: CO, ID, MT, OR, UT, WA, WY

Waterview Crossing is a new multi-family housing community located along Pacific Highway.

This development project participated in an affordable housing program and brought new affordable studio, one, two, three, and four bedroom rental units to Des Moines.