Everything You Should Know Before Moving to East Des Moines, IA
Thinking about moving to East Des Moines, IA? With a welcoming population of about 65,000, East Des Moines offers affordable living—median home values are around $169,000 and average rent is just over $1,000. Residents enjoy short average commutes (under 20 minutes), a reasonable cost of living, and access to quality schools and healthcare. While property crime rates are higher than average, the city boasts a friendly community, four-season climate with 60% sunny days, and convenient access to local colleges and downtown Des Moines. Explore housing, schools, and lifestyle details below to see if East Des Moines fits your next move!
Demographics - East Des Moines, IA
Demographics - East Des Moines, IA
East Des Moines is home to approximately 65,000 residents, with a median age of 34.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The city is diverse, with over 36% of the population identifying as non-White and nearly 14% speaking a language other than English at home. This creates a welcoming and multicultural environment for newcomers.
Population:
65,000
Density:
2,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
63.5%
Black:
10.2%
Asian:
6.1%
Others:
20.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in East Des Moines, IA?
Living in East Des Moines is affordable, with a cost of living index below the national average and median home values around $169,000. Renters can expect average monthly rents near $1,020, and utility and transportation costs remain reasonable. Residents benefit from lower housing prices and manageable state taxes, making it a budget-friendly choice.
Median House Value:
$169,000
Gross Rent:
$1,020
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,040
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,340
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.7
Grocery:
95.3
Housing:
71.5
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
86.8
Health Care:
92.0
Miscellaneous:
93.4
Crime
Is East Des Moines, IA a safe place to live?
East Des Moines experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with about 2,950 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime is less common, at 420 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 238, so residents should take typical safety precautions. Overall, the community remains proactive about public safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
420
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,950
Crime Index:
3,370
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 34
Weather
What is the weather like in East Des Moines, IA year-round?
Residents enjoy all four seasons in East Des Moines, with warm summers reaching highs in the mid-80s and cold winters dipping to the mid-teens. The city sees about 36.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 60% sunny days. This climate provides a variety of outdoor opportunities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
35°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Households in East Des Moines have a median income of $58,500, and the area features a diverse mix of backgrounds and experiences. The average commute time is under 20 minutes, and over 90% of adults have completed high school. While the poverty rate is 14.1%, the community is supported by a strong educational foundation and affordable living.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$58,500
Family Income:
$71,200
Per Capita Income:
$29,500
Income Male:
$36,400
Income Female:
$31,600
Poverty Rate:
14.1%
Non English Speakers:
13.8%
Rent:
$1,020
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
19.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.3%
Bachelors or More:
27.8%
Education
How are the schools in East Des Moines, IA?
East Des Moines offers a range of educational opportunities, from public schools like Hiatt Middle School to private options such as Grand View Christian School. The area is also close to higher education institutions like Grand View University and Drake University, which are just a few miles away. Local schools provide reasonable student-to-teacher ratios and support lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Hiatt Middle School
Street:
1214 E 15th St
Phone:
515-242-7774
Students:
780
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Name:
Capitol View Elementary School
Street:
320 E 16th St
Phone:
515-242-8405
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Private Schools
Name:
Grand View Christian School
Street:
1701 E 33rd St
Phone:
515-630-1250
Students:
620
Colleges
Name:
Grand View University
City:
Des Moines
State:
IA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
1,800
Name:
Drake University
City:
Des Moines
State:
IA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
4,900
Healthcare
East Des Moines residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like UnityPoint Health – Iowa Lutheran Hospital and MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center nearby. The city has about 2 physicians per 1,000 people, and over 90% of residents have health insurance coverage. Emergency services and general care are readily available for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UnityPoint Health – Iowa Lutheran Hospital
Address:
700 E University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316
Phone:
(515) 263-5612
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
Address:
1111 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone:
(515) 247-3121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.4%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in East Des Moines, IA?
The local housing market is stable, with median home prices at $169,000 and a 59.6% owner-occupancy rate. Rental options are plentiful, with average two-bedroom rents around $1,020 and a 7.1% vacancy rate. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates make East Des Moines an accessible place for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$169,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,020
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents of East Des Moines can manage their driver and vehicle needs through the Iowa Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division in nearby Ankeny. Services include licensing, registration, and title transfers, with helpful resources available online and by phone. The DMV provides convenient access for all local transportation needs.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
515-244-8725
Website:
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.