Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa Overview

Des Moines earns an overall grade of C with a composite score of 47.4 out of 100, ranking #716 of 20 cities in Iowa. The city's strongest category is Affordability (80/100) while its biggest challenge is Outdoor Access (22/100).

Income & Employment in Des Moines

The median household income in Des Moines is $60,882 according to Census ACS data. The unemployment rate is 3.5%. The city's population grew 1% recently, indicating strong demand.

Safety in Des Moines

Des Moines has a violent crime rate of 712.6 per 100,000 residents. This is above the national average, and safety is an important factor to consider. 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), which is well below the national average. The median home value is $183,700. Median monthly rent is $1,054. Overall, Des Moines offers below-average costs relative to the rest of the country.

Health & Wellness in Des Moines

The adult obesity rate in Des Moines is 39.4% according to CDC PLACES data. The diabetes prevalence rate is 11.8%. Residents report an average of 19 poor mental health days per month. These health indicators are important for assessing overall quality of life in Des Moines, Iowa.

Education & Schools in Des Moines

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

Climate in Des Moines

Des Moines has an annual average temperature of 53.3°F. Summers average 74.7°F. Winters average 31.1°F. The city receives approximately 27.4 inches of precipitation per year.

Frequently Asked Questions