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Moving to Des Moines, IA

Thinking of making a move to Des Moines, IA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Des Moines, IA

Considering a move to Des Moines, IA? This welcoming community of 212,031 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $178,000 and average rents near $1,060. Commute times average 20 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (57% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Des Moines's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Des Moines, IA

Des Moines has a population of 212,031 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 35 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 64% White, 12% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
212,031
Density
2,600 per sq mi
Median Age
35.0
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
12.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
63.9%
Black
12.2%
Asian
6.1%
Others
17.8%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Des Moines, IA?

The cost of living in Des Moines is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.3. Median home values are around $178,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,060. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$178,000
Gross Rent
$1,060
Monthly Electricity Charges
$112
Auto Insurance
$1,140
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,410
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$500
State Taxes
Low: 4.4%| High: 8.53%
Cost Of Living Index
88.3
Grocery
96.0
Housing
68.2
Utilities
90.5
Transportation
98.7
Health Care
94.8
Miscellaneous
99.1

Crime

Is Des Moines, IA a safe place to live?

Des Moines is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 556 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 26. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Iowa.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
556
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,821
Crime Index
4,377
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 180
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 26

Weather

What is the weather like in Des Moines, IA year-round?

Des Moines experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 14°F. The area receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 57% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
14°F
Max
33°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
41°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
57%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $61,600 and a low poverty rate of 15.3%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 33% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$36,500
Household Income
$61,600
Family Income
$78,200
Per Capita Income
$33,700
Income Male
$41,800
Income Female
$36,900
Poverty Rate
15.3%
Non English Speakers
12.5%
Rent
$1,060
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Public Transport Usage
2.1%
Commute Time
19.5 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.7%
Bachelors or More
33.1%

Education

How are the schools in Des Moines, IA?

Des Moines offers quality education options, with public schools like Roosevelt High School and Merrill Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Drake University and Grand View University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Roosevelt High School
Street
4419 Center St
Phone
515-242-7272
Students
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio
17.0
Name
Merrill Middle School
Street
5301 Grand Ave
Phone
515-242-8445
Students
850
Student Teacher Ratio
15.8

Private Schools

Name
Dowling Catholic High School
Street
1400 Buffalo Rd
Phone
515-222-1001
Students
1,425

Colleges

Name
Drake University
City
Des Moines
State
IA
Distance
0 miles
Students
4,800
Name
Grand View University
City
Des Moines
State
IA
Distance
0 miles
Students
1,900

Healthcare

Des Moines residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 93.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
Address
1111 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone
(515) 247-3121
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center
Address
1200 Pleasant St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone
(515) 241-6212
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
93.8%
Health Care Index
77.5

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Des Moines, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $178,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 61%. The market has seen a 4.4% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.7%. Des Moines offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$178,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,060
Owner Occupied Rate
60.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.4%
New Construction Rate
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Des Moines handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Ankeny. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Iowa
Department
Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
Address
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone
515-244-8725

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Des Moines, IA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Des Moines, review the core fields on this page: population 212,031, median home value $178,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,060, commute time 19.5 minutes, and sunny days percentage 57%.

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