2025 Compare Cities Education:
Abilene, TX vs West Des Moines, IA

Change Cities
Highlights
- West Des Moines spends 8.6% more per student than Abilene.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 8.4% higher in West Des Moines than in Abilene. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- West Des Moines had 10.9% more residents who had graduated High School compared to Abilene
 Abilene, TXWest Des Moines, IAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$14,293$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$9,445  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$7,373$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio14.33  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock7994573
 Students per Counselor330  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock1.3%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.8.6%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock96.6%88.9%
 Some College Educ.22.5%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock9.6%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.26.0%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock13.3%9.3%
 Professional Degree1.5%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock1.6%1.5%
Reviews for Abilene    17 Reviews

I've lived in 9 states, traveled over much of the U.S., and Abilene TEXAS is by far the best city I've ever lived. I find it beautiful here, love the climate and low  More

   |    Reply

Over 5 years ago

We moved to Abilene for a military assignment and have never got out of here. We stayed initially for children and grandchildren then elderly parents. Now we can't  More

   |    Reply

I've lived in Abilene for the last 45 years and It's the best place to raise a family. Great churches, schools, jobs and sense of community. There is always something  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Abilene

Reviews for West Des Moines    4 Reviews

Over 16 years ago

I just moved here from out-of-state a few months ago and have been pleasantly surprised by the broad range of activities and amenities available in this medium sized IA  More

   |    Reply

Over 16 years ago

Am contemplating a move to WDM from the East Coast (NYC). Might there be anyone out there that may have experienced this and could offer guidance or comment. Thanks.   More

   |    Reply

We just moved to West Des Moines and we love it here! We moved here three months ago and every weekend we have been able to do something different and fun. There is  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of West Des Moines


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.