2026 Compare Cities Education:
West Des Moines, IA vs Norfolk, VA

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Highlights
- Norfolk spends 9.7% less per student than West Des Moines.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 13.1% lower in Norfolk than in West Des Moines. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- Norfolk had 8.0% fewer residents who had graduated High School compared to West Des Moines
 West Des Moines, IANorfolk, VAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$12,905$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$11,894  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$7,401$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio15.53  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock5504573
 Students per Counselor362  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock3.2%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.2.1%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock88.9%88.9%
 Some College Educ.17.1%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock8.7%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.53.7%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock8.9%9.3%
 Professional Degree4.1%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock1.4%1.5%
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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Reviews for Norfolk    41 Reviews

I've lived in Norfolk for most of my life, and I love it here. I love the maker scene, and the new breweries. The arts scene, especially the theater side is always  More

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Over 8 years ago

I have lived in Norfolk VA for 11 months and,I cant wait to leave.It is full of crime ,homeless and undeveloped city.Public transportation is terrible and its wet and  More

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Over 8 years ago

I was born in Norfolk, and lived in Norfolk and Virginia Beach until my early 20s. Here are 10 things that are 100% true about Norfolk you may have heard before: 1) It's  More

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