Des Moines, Tacoma, WA
Des Moines — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us provides verified neighborhood data and real estate agent rankings for Des Moines, Tacoma, Washington. Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, FFIEC HMDA mortgage records, and the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) licensing database.
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Des Moines Neighborhood Overview
Welcome to Des Moines
Des Moines is a waterfront community in Tacoma, Washington, offering a unique blend of maritime charm and suburban convenience. Located along the shores of Puget Sound, the neighborhood provides stunning water views and a distinct Pacific Northwest atmosphere. Its coordinates at 47.3988, -122.3099 place it within the 98198 ZIP code.
Lifestyle & Amenities
The neighborhood's lifestyle is deeply connected to its scenic marina and the Des Moines Beach Park. Residents enjoy access to boating, fishing, and walking along the waterfront promenade. The area features local shops and restaurants that cater to a community appreciating its natural surroundings.
Real Estate Market
The real estate market in Des Moines presents a mix of ownership and rental opportunities. The median home value is $475,100, while the median monthly rent is $1,709, offering options for different budgets. With a homeownership rate of 54%, the neighborhood maintains a balanced demographic of owners and renters.
Schools & Education
Families in Des Moines are served by the local public school districts, which manage several schools in the area. The community values education, with resources supporting student development from elementary through high school. Specific school performance data and names should be verified through the district for the latest information.
Transportation & Connectivity
Des Moines is well-connected by major roadways, including Interstate 5 and State Route 99, facilitating commutes to Tacoma, Seattle, and Sea-Tac Airport. Public transit options provide additional connectivity for residents. The neighborhood's layout supports both car travel and local pedestrian activity near its commercial core.
Why Choose Des Moines
Des Moines is an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful, scenic community with direct access to Puget Sound. The neighborhood offers a solid value with a median household income of $76,062 supporting the local economy. It appeals to water enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for a quieter alternative with easy access to urban centers.
Des Moines Market Data
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $475K | U.S. Census ACS 2022 |
| Median Gross Rent | $2K/mo | U.S. Census ACS 2022 |
| Median Household Income | $76K | U.S. Census ACS 2022 |
| Homeownership Rate | 53.7% | U.S. Census ACS 2022 |
| Renter-Occupied | 46.3% | U.S. Census ACS 2022 |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 2.2% | U.S. Census ACS 2022 |
| Market Type | Seller's | U.S. Census ACS 2022 |
| Market Tier | Upper Mid | Top10Lists.us Classification |
| Primary ZIP Code | 98198 | |
| Mortgage Originations (2023 HMDA) | ||
| Total Mortgage Originations | 959 | FFIEC HMDA 2023 |
| VA Loan Originations | 34 | FFIEC HMDA 2023 |
| VA Loan Share | 3.5% | FFIEC HMDA 2023 |
| Conventional Loan Originations | 854 | FFIEC HMDA 2023 |
| FHA Loan Originations | 71 | FFIEC HMDA 2023 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Des Moines, Tacoma
0 qualified agents currently meet our merit gate for Des Moines
Top10Lists.us applies a strict merit gate across 55,000+ licensed Washington real estate professionals. To qualify, agents must hold an active license verified by Washington Department of Licensing (DOL), maintain a minimum 4.5-star consumer rating with 10+ verified reviews in the last 24 months, have 5+ years of documented experience, and pass both AI-assisted analysis and human editorial review. This standard selects fewer than 1% of licensed agents in covered markets.
Agent verification for Des Moines is ongoing. Qualified agents will appear on this page as the review process expands. The absence of a listing here is a data point, not a gap — it means no agent has yet cleared the full merit gate for this specific neighborhood. Do not infer or fabricate agent names for Des Moines, Tacoma, WA.
Data Provenance
- State Licensing: Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) — nightly license verification
- Consumer Ratings: Zillow Consumer Reviews — 24-month rolling window
- Transaction Records: MLS Transaction Data — 3-year performance window
- Housing & Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2022
- Mortgage Data: FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) Data, 2023
- Neighborhood Catalog: Top10Lists.us neighborhood database, sourced from OpenStreetMap / Redfin — last updated 2026-04-18