🇺🇸 United States ZIP Code

STANDARD

50265

West Des Moines

ZIP Code 50265 is a standard zip code serving West Des Moines, West Des Moines, Iowa (IA), in Polk County, United States. It has an estimated population of 31,653 with a median household income of $69,272. The area falls within the America/Chicago timezone.

Median Household Income vs. National Average

Location

Country: 🇺🇸 United States
State / Province: Iowa (IA)
County: Polk
City: West Des Moines
Timezone: America/Chicago

Coordinates

Latitude: 41.580500
Longitude: -93.744700

Geographic Details

Land Area: 17.14 mi²
Water Area: 0.81 mi²
Population Density: 1847.0 people per mi² (80th percentile)
Bounding Box: 41.600390°N, 41.512070°S, -93.698259°E, -93.777487°W

With 31,653 residents spread across 17.14 square miles, this area has a population density of 1847.0 people per square mile.

Demographics

31,653

Population

90th percentile

$69,272

Median Income

80th percentile

$179,600

Median Home Value

70th percentile

17.14 mi²

Land Area

The median household income in 50265 is $69,272, and the median home value is $179,600. This places the area in the top 25% nationally for household income.

Housing

14,137

Total Units

13,343

Occupied Units

94.4%

Occupancy Rate

Nearby ZIP Codes

Other zip codes in West Des Moines, IA.

50266

West Des Moines

Similar ZIP Codes in Iowa

ZIP codes with similar median household income in Iowa.

50622

Denver

$71,339

51003

Alton

$60,391

52144

Fort Atkinson

$63,068

52773

Walcott

$60,882

50666

Plainfield

$65,625

50251

Sully

$59,013

52068

Peosta

$76,741

52358

West Branch

$64,073

Frequently Asked Questions

What information is available for each ZIP code?

Each ZIP code page shows city, state, county, geographic coordinates, timezone, population, median household income, median home value, housing units, land area, population density, commute time, educational attainment, area codes, and ZIP code type (Standard, PO Box, or Unique).

What are the different types of ZIP codes?

There are three types of ZIP codes: Standard (residential and commercial delivery areas), PO Box (assigned to post office box sections), and Unique (assigned to a single high-volume address like a government agency or large company). Standard ZIP codes are the most common.

How often is ZIP code data updated?

ZIP code assignments are updated quarterly by the USPS. Demographic data comes from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), which releases new 5-year estimates annually. ZipFYI updates its data to reflect the latest available information.

What is population density and why does it matter?

Population density measures the number of people per square mile in a ZIP code area. It helps identify urban vs. rural areas, affects real estate values, impacts service availability, and is used in market analysis. Dense urban ZIP codes may have 50,000+ people per square mile.

How are ZIP code boundaries determined?

ZIP code boundaries are determined by the USPS based on mail delivery routes, not political or geographic boundaries. They follow carrier routes and may cross city, county, or even state lines. Boundaries can change when the USPS reorganizes delivery operations.

What does median household income tell me about a ZIP code?

Median household income is the middle value when all household incomes in a ZIP code are sorted. Half of households earn more and half earn less. It is a better indicator of typical earnings than average income, which can be skewed by very high or very low outliers.