Des Moines is located on the eastern shore of Puget Sound, midway between Seattle and Tacoma. The City enjoys spectacular views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains and Mt. Rainier. It has an 836 slip marina (mostly covered) with 1,500 feet of transit moorage and fuel services. Highline Community College is located in Des Moines, a full-prep university with technical training in nursing, respiratory therapy, child care and computers. The community has fine public and private schools, as well as numerous parks and an expanding recreation program. Des Moines is located 2 miles south of Sea-Tac International Airport and is adjacent to both I-5 and Highway 99.
Its location near the Sound makes it a great place for many outdoor recreational activities. Des Moines has been able to develop economically while still maintaining its small town feel. It has a residential population of about 2,900.
Des Moines has become one of the more popular locations for businesses. There are many commercial properties in Des Moines with considerable infrastructure ready for development. Des Moines is currently the home to a variety of businesses ranging from boat repair to software development. There are four distinct areas in Des Moines most accommodating to business development.
Des Moines is the home to quality area public schools and the Highline Community College. The Highline Community College works with the University of Washington and Central Washington University to coordinate degree and certificate programs. Students at the college also work directly with many of the employers in the city. The high quality education system in the city produces a highly educated labor force. Given accessibility to major highways, it is easy to travel to the region’s major cities. Des Moines is located 2 miles from Sea-Tac International Airport, 13 miles from Seattle’s ocean shipping terminals and 10 miles from Tacoma. There is also easy freeway access to Kent, Renton, Auburn industrial areas and also to Bellevue. In addition, public transportation is available and accessible throughout the city.
City Information: (206) 878-4595
| Total Population |
| Year |
Population |
| 2007 |
29,090 |
| 2006 |
29,020 |
| 2005 |
28,960 |
| 2000 |
29,267 |
| 1990 |
17,283 |
|
| Median Household Income |
| 1999 (2000 Census) |
$48,971.00 |
| 1989 (1990 Census) |
$32,145.00 |
(Source: King County 2007 Annual Growth Report)
|
| Breakdown by Age (2000 Census) |
| 0 - 17 |
24% |
| 18 - 64 |
61% |
| 65+ |
15% |
|
| Ethnic Distribution (2000 Census) |
| White or other |
82.0% |
| Asian |
9.0% |
| African American |
7.0% |
| Hispanic |
2.0% |
|
|
Total Jobs
|
5,607
|
| Finance / Services |
1,432 |
| Government and Other |
1,622 |
| Retail |
524 |
| Manufacturing |
* |
| Wholesale / Utilities |
208 |
| Construction |
368 |
|
| Major Businesses |
|
| Wesley Home Care Center |
City of Des Moines |
| Seatoma Convalescent Center |
Highline Community College |
| Highline School District |
Judson Park Retirement Home |
(Source: King County 2007 Annual Growth Report)
|
Des Moines is the home to quality area public schools and the Highline Community College. The Highline Community College works with the University of Washington and Central Washington University to coordinate degree and certificate programs. Students at the college also work directly with many of the employers in the city. The high quality education system in the city produces a highly educated labor force.
| Housing Totals |
| |
Single-Family |
Multi-Family |
Total |
| # of Units (2000) |
7,152 |
4,702 |
11,854 |
| New Residential (2006) |
27 |
0 |
27 |
Additional Information
For more information on Des Moines, contact:
|
|
Judith Kilgore, Community Development Director
email:
JKilgore@cityofdesmoines.com
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206-878-8626 |
Clarice G. James, Executive Director
Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
206-878-7000 |
