IowaPop. 212,421Mid-size cities
Is Des Moines a Good Place to Live? Des Moines, Iowa: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Des Moines ranks #879 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #158 of 256 mid-size cities and #16 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,090/mo, #31 of 256) and affordable homes ($194,700, #33 of 256), and trails on low graduation rates (79.8%, #173 of 205) and high violent crime (642 per 100,000, #193 of 235).
Des Moines by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Des Moines's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Des Moines?
Des Moines's cost of living index is 91.7, 8% below the US level of 100 and #302 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,090/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $210,572, 12% below the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
| Measure | Des Moines | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 91.7#302 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $210,572#139 of 1,187 | $239,547 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,126/mo#66 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $194,700#212 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,090/mo#315 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 19.8%#429 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Des Moines housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Des Moines is in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro.
Iowa housing market →Is Des Moines safe?
Des Moines recorded 642 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 2.7 times Iowa's 234. That ranks #939 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #193 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Des Moines Police Department. Property crime runs 2,838 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Des Moines | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 642#939 of 1,085 | 234 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,838#924 of 1,085 | 1,172 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Des Moines?
The median household in Des Moines earns $65,932, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 15% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Des Moines | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $65,932#905 of 1,312 | $75,501 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 15%#864 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Des Moines?
The median resident of Des Moines is 34.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 29.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #803 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Des Moines | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 34.6 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 29.7%#803 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 60.5% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Des Moines's schools and health?
Des Moines's 58 public schools graduate 79.8% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 16.1 students per teacher and $15,247 spent per pupil. 39.4% of adults are obese and 11.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Des Moines | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 79.8%#896 of 1,063 | 89.9% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 16.1#646 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $15,247#559 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 39.4%#1078 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.8%#759 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19%#1049 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 10.6%#729 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 29,663 students are enrolled in Des Moines's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Des Moines?
The average commute in Des Moines is 19.5 minutes (Iowa 20.4); 0.8% of workers take transit and 13.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Des Moines scores 12.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #410 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74°F and winters 25.6°F, with 36.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Des Moines | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 19.5 min#304 of 1,312 | 20.4 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.3%#247 of 1,312 | 4.5% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 70.9% | 76.6% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.4% | 3.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 13.1% | 9.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.5#410 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30.9 | 13.8 | 1.1 |
| Feb | 35.7 | 18 | 1.3 |
| Mar | 49.2 | 29.6 | 2.2 |
| Apr | 62 | 40.6 | 4 |
| May | 72.4 | 52.3 | 5.2 |
| Jun | 81.9 | 62.4 | 5.3 |
| Jul | 85.6 | 66.4 | 3.8 |
| Aug | 83.6 | 64.2 | 4.2 |
| Sep | 76.9 | 55.4 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 63.4 | 42.9 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 48.3 | 30.2 | 1.9 |
| Dec | 35.9 | 19.5 | 1.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Des Moines International Airport.
| Measure | Des Moines | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 50.9°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 74°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 25.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 36.6 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Des Moines International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Des Moines?
Polk County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Polk County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 90% of US counties.
| Measure | Des Moines | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.09%#151 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Polk County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Polk County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.0071% | 85% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.017% | 78% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0011% | 63% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0017% | 45% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.056% | 17% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Des Moines compare with similar-size cities?
Des Moines is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #158 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 212,421.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #879 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 | 19.5 min |
| Spring Valley, NVPop. 219,187 | #959 | 50.7 | $74,511 | $1,743/mo | no data | 22.5 min |
| Cape Coral, FLPop. 215,536 | #967 | 50.6 | $78,104 | $1,858/mo | part year | 29.9 min |
| Moreno Valley, CAPop. 211,666 | #1043 | 49.1 | $93,222 | $2,135/mo | 300 | 35.5 min |
| Fayetteville, NCPop. 210,815 | #1144 | 46.8 | $58,407 | $1,250/mo | 614 | 19.1 min |
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #170 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 | 27.8 min |
| Yonkers, NYPop. 209,978 | #262 | 62.9 | $83,549 | $1,784/mo | 263 | 35.6 min |
| Salt Lake City, UTPop. 208,007 | #1011 | 49.8 | $75,090 | $1,414/mo | 862 | 19.5 min |
| Worcester, MAPop. 207,055 | #635 | 56.0 | $70,102 | $1,487/mo | 602 | 24.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Des Moines compare with the rest of Iowa?
Des Moines ranks #16 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 52 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 13% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 2.7 times the statewide rate. Homes are 12% below the typical Iowa home.
| City | Rank in IA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukee, IAPop. 29,236 | #1 | 70.9 | $101,029 | $1,383/mo | 139 |
| Urbandale, IAPop. 46,595 | #2 | 69.9 | $112,795 | $1,211/mo | 122 |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #3 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 |
| Marion, IAPop. 41,896 | #4 | 67.3 | $86,743 | $961/mo | 126 |
| West Des Moines, IAPop. 71,083 | #5 | 66.1 | $86,594 | $1,237/mo | 147 |
| Bettendorf, IAPop. 39,647 | #6 | 65.5 | $100,495 | $1,187/mo | 94 |
| Cedar Falls, IAPop. 40,888 | #7 | 61.5 | $76,987 | $1,203/mo | 135 |
| Ames, IAPop. 67,669 | #8 | 60.8 | $60,991 | $1,023/mo | 103 |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #9 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 |
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #10 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 |
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #11 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 |
| Mason City, IAPop. 27,050 | #12 | 57.0 | $64,804 | $882/mo | 354 |
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #13 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #14 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 |
| Council Bluffs, IAPop. 62,586 | #15 | 52.1 | $64,578 | $1,030/mo | 525 |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #16 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 |
| Ottumwa, IAPop. 25,430 | #17 | 51.6 | $61,103 | $921/mo | 272 |
| Fort Dodge, IAPop. 24,827 | #18 | 50.1 | $60,649 | $785/mo | 940 |
| Waterloo, IAPop. 67,008 | #19 | 49.8 | $57,480 | $923/mo | 472 |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #20 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 |
All 20 Iowa cities we track, by overall score. Iowa statewide: median income $75,501, violent crime 233.9 per 100,000.
How is Des Moines's score calculated?
Des Moines scores 52 out of 100, #879 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Iowa's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Des Moines. Similar-size median 52.9.
47.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Des Moines's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
45.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Des Moines. Similar-size median 53.8.
42.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Des Moines's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
50.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Des Moines's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
81.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Des Moines. Similar-size median 51.2.
41.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Des Moines. Similar-size median 42.1.
39.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Des Moines. Similar-size median 50.1.
53.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Des Moines's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
60.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
71.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Des Moines's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Des Moines has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Des Moines
Is Des Moines, IA a good place to live?
Des Moines ranks #879 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #158 of 256 mid-size cities and #16 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,090/mo, #31 of 256) and affordable homes ($194,700, #33 of 256), and trails on low graduation rates (79.8%, #173 of 205) and high violent crime (642 per 100,000, #193 of 235).
What is the cost of living in Des Moines?
Des Moines's cost of living index is 91.7, 8% below the US level of 100 and #302 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,090/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $210,572, 12% below the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
What is the crime rate in Des Moines?
Des Moines recorded 642 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 2.7 times Iowa's 234. That ranks #939 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #193 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Des Moines Police Department. Property crime runs 2,838 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Des Moines?
The median household in Des Moines earns $65,932, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 15% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Des Moines?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,090/mo (Census), #315 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,126/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Des Moines?
The typical home value in Des Moines is $210,572, down 0.2% in a year, against $239,547 for Iowa and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $194,700.
How are the public schools in Des Moines?
Des Moines's 58 public schools graduate 79.8% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 16.1 students per teacher and $15,247 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Des Moines?
The average commute is 19.5 minutes, #304 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20.4 minutes across Iowa. 3.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Des Moines?
Des Moines averages 50.9°F over the year, 74°F in summer and 25.6°F in winter, with 36.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Des Moines walkable?
Des Moines scores 12.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #410 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Des Moines at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Polk County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 90% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Des Moines?
Polk County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Des Moines?
Des Moines has 212,421 residents. The median resident of Des Moines is 34.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 29.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #803 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Des Moines compare with the rest of Iowa?
Des Moines ranks #16 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 52 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 13% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 2.7 times the statewide rate. Homes are 12% below the typical Iowa home.
What cities are similar in size to Des Moines?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Des Moines's population of 212,421 are Spring Valley, NV (#959 overall), Cape Coral, FL (#967 overall), Moreno Valley, CA (#1043 overall), Fayetteville, NC (#1144 overall), and McKinney, TX (#170 overall). Des Moines is #879.