Des Moines, IA
Population 212,464 · Iowa
About Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is a major city located in Iowa with a population of 212,464 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,966 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Des Moines features a median home value of $183,700, which is 25% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Des Moines in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,054, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 97,457 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (54,454 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (35,631 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Des Moines shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Des Moines have an average one-way commute time of 19.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.0% of Des Moines residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 11.4% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 3.8% Asian residents, with 14.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Des Moines Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Des Moines, IA
Compared to national averages, Des Moines has a median household income of $63,966 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $183,700, which is 25% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,054 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Des Moines's income is 6% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 39% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines offers affordable housing with a median home value of $183,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,054/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,966) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Des Moines provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Des Moines has a population of 212,464 with a median age of 34.6 years. Compare Des Moines with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Des Moines
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids | 136,859 | $67,859 | $177,100 | Compare |
| Davenport | 101,083 | $64,497 | $162,900 | Compare |
| Sioux City | 85,651 | $65,473 | $162,600 | Compare |
| Iowa City | 75,264 | $57,533 | $273,600 | Compare |
| Ankeny | 70,542 | $106,603 | $311,300 | Compare |
| West Des Moines | 69,893 | $84,925 | $286,300 | Compare |
| Waterloo | 66,947 | $56,344 | $150,200 | Compare |
| Ames | 66,112 | $60,102 | $263,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Des Moines With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Des Moines
What is the population of Des Moines, IA?
The population of Des Moines, IA is 212,464 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Des Moines?
The median household income in Des Moines, IA is $63,966 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Des Moines?
The median home value in Des Moines, IA is $183,700, which is 25% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Des Moines?
The median monthly rent in Des Moines, IA is $1,054, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Des Moines?
The unemployment rate in Des Moines, IA is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Des Moines, IA a good place to live?
Des Moines offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 212,464 and a median age of 34.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Des Moines, IA?
29.0% of residents in Des Moines aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Des Moines, IA: median home value is $183,700 (25% below national), median rent is $1,054/month, and median household income is $63,966. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Des Moines?
The poverty rate in Des Moines, IA is 14.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines's population is 11.4% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 3.8% Asian, and 11.8% two or more races. 14.0% of residents are foreign-born.