2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Fairfield, IA vs West Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
Are people in West Des Moines older or younger than people in Fairfield?
- The Median Age in West Des Moines is 3.0 years younger than in Fairfield.

Are housing costs cheaper in West Des Moines or Fairfield?
- West Des Moines housing costs are 104.1% more expensive than Fairfield housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, West Des Moines or Fairfield?
- The average commute for residents of West Des Moines is 2.4 minutes longer than it is for residents of Fairfield.

Things to do in Fairfield?
Fairfield is a city situated within Jefferson County Iowa boasting close to 10 thousand residents. Take advantage of all that nature has to offer by exploring nearby parks such as Rothwell Park and Rudd Park – perfect for staying active! Additionally, its vibrant downtown district offers up lots of cultural attractions that let you appreciate traditional music performances/art exhibits; worth checking out if you want more than just an urban experience!.

Things to do in West Des Moines?
West Des Moines, Iowa is a vibrant city located in the greater Des Moines area. This lively town offers an array of exciting attractions for visitors to explore such as the beautiful Living History Farms or the thrilling Adventureland Amusement Park. Residents here also enjoy plenty of outdoor activities at Raccoon River or Water Works Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and wide range of recreational activities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make West Des Moines their home.

 Fairfield, IAWest Des Moines, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock67,640329,725,481
 Median Income$43,006  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$138,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time14.81  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Fairfield    0 Reviews

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Reviews for West Des Moines    4 Reviews

Over 17 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 17 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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