Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa Overview

Des Moines faces challenges across several categories, earning a C grade (47.9/100) and ranking #16 of 20 cities in Iowa. Even so, the city scores 80/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 22/100.

Income & Employment in Des Moines

Des Moines’s median income of $60,882 is 16% below the state median, but positive population growth of 1% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%.

Safety in Des Moines

With a violent crime rate of 712.6 per 100,000, Des Moines exceeds the Iowa average of 295. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 3397.4 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Des Moines

Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92.7 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $183,700. Median monthly rent is $1,054. Renters spend 20.8% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Des Moines

The adult obesity rate in Des Moines is 39.4%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 11.8%. Residents report an average of 19 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Iowa ranks #22 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Des Moines

Des Moines has a high school graduation rate of 82.9%. The student-teacher ratio is 15.9:1. Per-pupil spending is $15,251. The city has 64 public schools serving 32,149 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Des Moines

The annual average temperature in Des Moines is 53.3°F. Summers average 74.7°F. Winters average 31.1°F. Annual precipitation is 27.4 inches. The average commute of 17.5 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions