2025 Compare Cities Education:
Burien, WA vs West Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
- West Des Moines spends 28.8% less per student than Burien.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 16.2% lower in West Des Moines than in Burien. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- West Des Moines had 16.4% more residents who had graduated High School compared to Burien
 Burien, WAWest Des Moines, IAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$14,293$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$14,996  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$7,373$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio18.53  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock7994573
 Students per Counselor455  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock1.3%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.7.0%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock96.6%88.9%
 Some College Educ.21.6%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock9.6%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.29.0%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock13.3%9.3%
 Professional Degree1.3%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock1.6%1.5%
Reviews for Burien    4 Reviews

In a better time, decades ago, Burien was peaceful, fun place. It was a destination my childhood friends and I frequented on our bicycles and spent the day...all without  More

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Over 6 years ago

This town used to be nice. In the past 3 years it has become terrible. Street gangs, murders and drug dealing. Leaving as soon as I  More

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I have lived in Burien since 1972. It is currently going through a Renaissance. Having become incorporated in the early '90s, its city council has fresh and forward  More

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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

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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

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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

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