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US City Data

Des Moines vs Iowa City

Side-by-side comparison

How does Des Moines, IA compare to Iowa City, IA? Des Moines has a population of 212,464 with a median household income of $63,966, while Iowa City has 75,264 residents and a median income of $57,533. Below you'll find a detailed breakdown of demographics, economy, and housing for both cities.

Population & Demographics
MetricDes Moines, IAIowa City, IADifference
Population212,46475,264+182.3%
Median Age34.626.3+31.6%
Foreign Born %14%12.2%+14.8%
Economy
MetricDes MoinesIowa CityDifference
Median Income$63,966$57,533+11.2%
Unemployment5.7%4.2%+35.7%
Poverty Rate14.9%26.3%-43.3%
Bachelor's+29%60.7%-52.2%
Housing
MetricDes MoinesIowa CityDifference
Home Value$183,700$273,600-32.9%
Median Rent$1054/mo$1094/mo-3.7%
Housing Units97,45733,855+187.9%

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Des Moines, IA ProfileIowa City, IA ProfileCost of Living in IowaMore ComparisonsCity Rankings