Des Moines
cityDes Moines, Washington, is a city located in King County, situated on the eastern shore of Puget Sound, near the center of the Seattle metropolitan area. As of 2020, the population was 32,888, and recent estimates place it around 33,274 in 2026. Des Moines offers a blend of residential comfort and commercial activity, maintaining a distinct small-town feel despite its proximity to larger urban centers. Key industries in Des Moines include healthcare, transportation, warehousing, and retail trade. The city's economy benefits from its location between Seattle and Tacoma, making it a convenient spot for commuters. Major employers include the Federal Aviation Administration, Highline College, and Highline Public Schools. Des Moines is notable for its access to Puget Sound, featuring a recreational marina with moorage, boat launching, and pier fishing facilities. Saltwater State Park, a popular destination on Puget Sound, is located within city limits, offering outdoor recreational opportunities. The city's history is tied to its early days as a lumber milling hub and its subsequent suburban development.
Des Moines, Washington
- Classification
- City
- Country
- United States
- County
- King
- Region
- Puget Sound
- Elevation
- 190 ft
- Total Area
- 7.408 sq mi
- Land Area
- 6.414 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.994 sq mi
- Latitude
- 47.37444
- Longitude
- -122.31861
- Climate
- Des Moines has a mild climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average high temperature in the summer is 78°F, and the average low temperature in the winter is 38°F. The city receives about 39 inches of rain per year and 5 inches of snow.
- Notable Features
- Puget Sound · Saltwater State Park
- Neighboring Areas
- Federal Way · Kent · SeaTac · Burien · Normandy Park
- Population (2020)
- 32,888
- Est. Population (2026)
- 33,274
- Median Age
- 38
- Median Income
- $92,483
- Poverty Rate
- 12.12%
- Owner-Occupied
- 60.6%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Des Moines is 44% White, 12.7% Black or African American, 12.0% Asian, and 19.8% Hispanic or Latino.
- Government Type
- Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- Highline Public Schools
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Senior Services
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.9%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Transportation & Warehousing · Retail Trade
- Major Employers
- Federal Aviation Administration · Highline College · Highline Public Schools
- School Districts
- Highline Public Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- Highline College
- Transportation
- Interstate access · Public transit · Shuttle bus to Angle Lake Link Light Rail station · Passenger ferry service to Downtown Seattle
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Des Moines Marina · Highline College
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Des Moines Beach Park · Saltwater State Park · Des Moines Marina
- Parks & Trails
- Des Moines Parks · Puget Sound trails
- Founded
- 1867
- Incorporated
- June 17, 1959
- Named After
- Des Moines, Iowa, via the Des Moines City Improvement Company
- Historical Significance
- Originally a lumber milling and farming community, Des Moines transitioned to a suburban city after World War II and is now known for its maritime orientation and access to Puget Sound.
- Key Events
- First explored by Europeans in 1792 · Town platted in 1889 by the Des Moines Improvement Company · Incorporated as a city in 1959 · Marina opened in 1970