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Moving to South Des Moines, IA

Thinking of making a move to South 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 South Des Moines, IA

Considering a move to South Des Moines, IA? This welcoming community of 39,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $165,000 and average rents near $1,050. 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 (60% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore South Des Moines's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - South Des Moines, IA

South Des Moines has a population of 39,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 66% White, 14% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 11% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
39,000
Density
2,800 per sq mi
Median Age
35.7
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
10.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
66.4%
Black
13.8%
Asian
5.6%
Others
14.2%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in South Des Moines is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5. Median home values are around $165,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,050. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$165,000
Gross Rent
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges
$115
Auto Insurance
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$480
State Taxes
Low: 4.4%| High: 8.53%
Cost Of Living Index
89.5
Grocery
97.8
Housing
73.2
Utilities
102.1
Transportation
85.4
Health Care
97.2
Miscellaneous
92.5

Crime

Is South Des Moines, IA a safe place to live?

South Des Moines is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 464 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 35. 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
464
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,820
Crime Index
3,284
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 215
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 35

Weather

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

South 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 60% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
16°F
Max
33°F

Summer

Min
65°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
60%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $53,900 and a low poverty rate of 13.1%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 24% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$30,700
Household Income
$53,900
Family Income
$65,200
Per Capita Income
$28,100
Income Male
$36,500
Income Female
$30,200
Poverty Rate
13.1%
Non English Speakers
10.5%
Rent
$1,050
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Public Transport Usage
1.2%
Commute Time
20.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.8%
Bachelors or More
23.6%

Education

How are the schools in South Des Moines, IA?

South Des Moines offers quality education options, with public schools like Lincoln High School and Park Avenue Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Des Moines Area Community College and Grand View University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Lincoln High School
Street
2600 SW 9th St
Phone
515-242-7500
Students
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio
16.5
Name
Park Avenue Elementary School
Street
3141 SW 9th St
Phone
515-242-8442
Students
480
Student Teacher Ratio
14.2

Private Schools

Name
Christ the King School
Street
801 SW 9th St
Phone
515-285-3349
Students
230

Colleges

Name
Des Moines Area Community College
City
Ankeny
State
IA
Distance
12 miles
Students
22,900
Name
Grand View University
City
Des Moines
State
IA
Distance
6 miles
Students
1,900

Healthcare

South 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 2.2 per 1,000 people and 92.7% 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
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage
92.7%
Health Care Index
77.1

Housing Market

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

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $165,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 62%. The market has seen a 6.7% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. South Des Moines offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate
62.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
6.7%
New Construction Rate
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of South 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 South 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 South Des Moines, review the core fields on this page: population 39,000, median home value $165,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,050, commute time 20.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 60%.

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