2025 Compare Cities Education:
Harrisburg, PA vs West Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
- West Des Moines spends 19.4% less per student than Harrisburg.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 2.0% lower in West Des Moines than in Harrisburg. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- West Des Moines had 17.2% more residents who had graduated High School compared to Harrisburg
 Harrisburg, PAWest Des Moines, IAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$14,293$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$14,386  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$7,373$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio15.84  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock7994573
 Students per Counselor390  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock1.3%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.11.5%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock96.6%88.9%
 Some College Educ.19.3%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock9.6%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.22.5%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock13.3%9.3%
 Professional Degree2.0%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock1.6%1.5%
Reviews for Harrisburg    23 Reviews

I wouldn't recommend Harrisburg. I currently live here, but I'm moving to Lancaster in a month. The problem with Harrisburg is that many long-term residents often refer  More

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Over 8 years ago

I moved to Harrisburg right after college and have been here for about 6 years now. This city is OK. Downtown has some nicer restaurants, but still has just as many  More

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Having lived here many years I've noticed that some people are very nice but most won't give you the time of day.Due to many years of "lifetime" politicians, the city is  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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