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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 214,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $265,000 and average rents near $1,120. Commute times average 19 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (59% 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 214,000 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 63% White, 12% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 14% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
214,000
Density
2,500 per sq mi
Median Age
34.9
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
13.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
62.5%
Black
12.0%
Asian
6.0%
Others
19.5%

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 90.8. Median home values are around $265,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,120. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$265,000
Gross Rent
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges
$118
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,760
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$560
State Taxes
Low: 0.33%| High: 6.0%
Cost Of Living Index
90.8
Grocery
94.5
Housing
83.2
Utilities
96.4
Transportation
93.1
Health Care
98.2
Miscellaneous
92.0

Crime

Is Des Moines, IA a safe place to live?

Des Moines is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 760 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 29. 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
760
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,450
Crime Index
4,210
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 132
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 29

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 16°F. The area receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 59% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
16°F
Max
34°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
35.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
59%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $65,500 and a low poverty rate of 14.2%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 38% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$47,500
Household Income
$65,500
Family Income
$82,000
Per Capita Income
$35,800
Income Male
$49,500
Income Female
$41,500
Poverty Rate
14.2%
Non English Speakers
11.8%
Rent
$1,120
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
Public Transport Usage
3.8%
Commute Time
18.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.5%
Bachelors or More
37.8%

Education

How are the schools in Des Moines, IA?

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

Public Schools

Name
Des Moines Public Schools - Hoover High School
Street
4800 Aurora Ave
Phone
515-242-7300
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
15.0
Name
Des Moines Public Schools - Roosevelt High School
Street
4419 Center St
Phone
515-242-7272
Students
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio
15.4
Name
Des Moines Public Schools - Central Academy
Street
901 19th St
Phone
515-242-7722
Students
650
Student Teacher Ratio
13.1

Private Schools

Name
Dowling Catholic High School
Street
1400 Buffalo Rd
Phone
515-225-3000
Students
1,300
Name
Collegiate Presbyterian Academy
Street
4400 College Ave
Phone
515-274-5678
Students
320

Colleges

Name
Drake University
City
Des Moines
State
IA
Distance
3 miles
Students
5,000
Name
Grand View University
City
Des Moines
State
IA
Distance
4 miles
Students
1,900
Name
Des Moines Area Community College
City
Ankeny
State
IA
Distance
11 miles
Students
23,000

Healthcare

Des Moines residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, Methodist West Hospital, and Iowa Lutheran Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 92.8% 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
Methodist West Hospital
Address
1660 60th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone
(515) 241-6212
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Iowa Lutheran Hospital
Address
700 E University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316
Phone
(515) 263-5612
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage
92.8%
Health Care Index
78.4

Housing Market

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

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $265,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 58%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.8%. Des Moines offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate
58.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

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 214,000, median home value $265,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,120, commute time 18.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 59%.

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