2025 Compare Cities Education:
West Des Moines, IA vs Alton, IL

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Highlights
- Alton spends 2.5% less per student than West Des Moines.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 2.1% lower in Alton than in West Des Moines. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- Alton had 8.2% fewer residents who had graduated High School compared to West Des Moines
 West Des Moines, IAAlton, ILUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$13,939$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$11,894  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$7,302$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio15.53  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock58374573
 Students per Counselor362  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock2.9%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.2.1%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock88.7%88.9%
 Some College Educ.17.1%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock10.3%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.53.7%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock5.2%9.3%
 Professional Degree4.1%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock0.8%1.5%
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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Reviews for Alton    7 Reviews

My wife, daughter, and I moved here from Phoenix Metro March 2022 and have been very happy with our move. The people have been great, having four seasons is great, and  More

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Over 2 years ago

Not sure why such low reviews. I moved here from St. Louis. Crime in Alton is NOTHING compared to that. Maybe 1 or 2 homicides a year and those are generally people  More

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Over 10 years ago

Unfortunately, Alton has become a run down, poverty stricken area. Jobs are very limited and do not pay well. Unless you plan on commuting to St. Louis for work, you  More

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