2026 Compare Cities Education:
Hastings, MN vs West Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
- West Des Moines spends 12.3% less per student than Hastings.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 1.9% lower in West Des Moines than in Hastings. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- West Des Moines had 1.2% more residents who had graduated High School compared to Hastings
 Hastings, MNWest Des Moines, IAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$14,293$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$12,783  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$7,373$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio15.83  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock7994573
 Students per Counselor573  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock1.3%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.3.1%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock96.6%88.9%
 Some College Educ.26.2%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock9.6%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.28.0%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock13.3%9.3%
 Professional Degree1.0%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock1.6%1.5%
Reviews for Hastings    2 Reviews

Over 19 years ago

Tons of reasons why Hastings is the best. Some natives, some transplants which makes for a great mix. We welcome the new because if you pick Hastings for what it is  More

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Over 19 years ago

Hastings, MN is a nice place to live if you enjoy a small-town atmosphere. The people are mostly friendly, everybody knows everybody, and the way of life is hard set  More

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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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