Microsoft Iowa campuses
West Des Moines · Microsoft · Operating and expanding
Community profile
Classification: Above-average income and majority White
Geography: 50265 ZIP Code Tabulation Area / city proxy
Income: 50265 median household income: $85,915
Race: The city is majority White and more diverse than many Iowa communities.
Documented bargain
Benefits: Construction, skilled jobs and local tax base; Microsoft reports substantial local employment.
Burdens: In July 2022 Microsoft facilities used about 11.5 million gallons—roughly 6% of the water district’s use that month—prompting new scrutiny during drought.
Power and government
Utilities: Newer buildings are reported to use closed-loop cooling with near-zero operational water consumption.
Public action: West Des Moines Water Works said future projects must substantially reduce peak water demand.
This prosperous suburban case demonstrates that high water use can become controversial even where local fiscal capacity is comparatively strong.