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

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Highlights
- West Des Moines spends 28.8% less per student than Seattle.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 16.2% lower in West Des Moines than in Seattle. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- West Des Moines had 1.2% more residents who had graduated High School compared to Seattle
 Seattle, 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.2.0%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock96.6%88.9%
 Some College Educ.13.9%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock9.6%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.65.9%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock13.3%9.3%
 Professional Degree5.3%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock1.6%1.5%
Reviews for Seattle    321 Reviews

I have lived here since 1975, I moved here from California but was born and raised in Michigan. I would have to say that I never regretted leaving Michigan and their  More

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Over 3 years ago

I’ve lived in Seattle for just under 7 years and while it can be a stunningly beautiful place, I am very excited to leave. I’ll start with some of the positive aspects.  More

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if you can afford it, Seattle is a very nice place to live and raise a family! however, it is extremely expensive and in the winter, it's rather gloomy. i love gloomy  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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