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

Change Cities
Highlights
- Harrisburg spends 24.1% more per student than West Des Moines.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 2.0% higher in Harrisburg than in West Des Moines. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- Harrisburg had 14.7% fewer residents who had graduated High School compared to West Des Moines
 West Des Moines, IAHarrisburg, PAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$17,739$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$11,894  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$8,762$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio15.53  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock10044573
 Students per Counselor362  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock6.1%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.2.1%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock82.5%88.9%
 Some College Educ.17.1%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock7.4%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.53.7%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock5.4%9.3%
 Professional Degree4.1%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock0.6%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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of West Des Moines

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Harrisburg


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.