Des Moines Best School ZIP Codes, Ranked by Polk County NCES Data
By Sharon Ben-Moshe · October 4, 2026
Polk County public schools demonstrate solid performance across several central and suburban neighborhoods. This study ranks Des Moines ZIP codes by objective student proficiency and classroom measures.
Des Moines serves as the governmental, insurance, and financial hub of Iowa. Polk County contains multiple independent public school districts where student achievement frequently exceeds national proficiency averages.
Polk County ZIP codes ranked by school metrics
School rankings rely on test data from the National Center for Education Statistics, measuring math and language proficiency. Housing figures reflect Polk County assessor records.
- South of Grand and Roosevelt (50312): School score 75, overall score 49. Median home price is $297,047 with median rent of $1,171, anchored by the high-achieving Roosevelt High School attendance area.
- Beaverdale and Waveland (50310): School score 64, overall score 43. Median home price is $234,415 with median rent of $935, offering established brick homes on tree-lined avenues.
- Highland Park and North Des Moines (50313): School score 64, overall score 43. Median property price sits at $187,297 with median rent of $1,158, providing high affordability.
- Downtown and East Village (50309): School score 63, overall score 43. Median home price is $241,860 with median rent of $1,238, centered in the urban commercial district.
- Airport South and Southwestern (50321): School score 61, overall score 42. Median property price is $357,575 with median rent of $1,083.
Iowa educational performance standards
Iowa public schools historically post graduation rates above 90 percent. According to U.S. Census Bureau education tables, Polk County school attendance boundaries correlate strongly with neighborhood stability and homeownership rates.
Evaluating Des Moines public schools
Movers can consult our guide on how NeighborScore works or compare Polk County communities on the Des Moines comparison tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Des Moines ZIP code ranks highest for public schools?
West Des Moines and Roosevelt border ZIP 50312 ranks highest with a 75 school score, an overall score of 49, and a median home price of $297,047.
What is the median home price in Beaverdale 50310?
Beaverdale ZIP 50310 has a median home price of $234,415, a 64 school score, and an overall score of 43.