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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 17,800 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $195,000 and average rents near $1,120. Commute times average 22 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 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 17,800 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 55% White, 19% Black, and 8% Asian residents, and over 18% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
17,800
Density
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age
34.8
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
17.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
55.0%
Black
18.5%
Asian
7.5%
Others
19.0%

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 89.4. Median home values are around $195,000 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
$195,000
Gross Rent
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$1,560
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,520
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$580
State Taxes
Low: 0.33%| High: 8.53%
Cost Of Living Index
89.4
Grocery
96.8
Housing
82.5
Utilities
98.1
Transportation
93.2
Health Care
95.7
Miscellaneous
91.6

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 520 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 34. 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
520
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,950
Crime Index
3,470
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 192
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 34

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 37 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
16°F
Max
34°F

Summer

Min
66°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
40°F
Max
67°F

Fall

Min
42°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
57%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $61,200 and a low poverty rate of 15.8%. Over 88% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 22% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$38,500
Household Income
$61,200
Family Income
$73,400
Per Capita Income
$29,700
Income Male
$41,000
Income Female
$33,500
Poverty Rate
15.8%
Non English Speakers
18.6%
Rent
$1,120
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
Public Transport Usage
3.8%
Commute Time
21.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.4%
Bachelors or More
21.5%

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 Hoover High 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 Drake University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Lincoln High School
Street
2600 SW 9th St
Phone
515-242-7300
Students
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio
15.6
Name
Hoover High School
Street
4800 Aurora Ave
Phone
515-242-7300
Students
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio
16.1

Private Schools

Name
Des Moines Christian School
Street
13007 Fleur Dr
Phone
515-285-0161
Students
1,100
Name
St. Anthony School
Street
16 Columbus Ave
Phone
515-282-9474
Students
260

Colleges

Name
Des Moines Area Community College
City
Des Moines
State
IA
Distance
6 miles
Students
20,000
Name
Drake University
City
Des Moines
State
IA
Distance
7 miles
Students
5,000

Healthcare

South Des Moines residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and Iowa Methodist Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 91.0% 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
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
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
91.0%
Health Care Index
72.8

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 $195,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 59%. The market has seen a 4.1% 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
$195,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate
58.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of South Des Moines handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Ames. 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
Address
800 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010
Phone
1-515-244-8725

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 17,800, median home value $195,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,120, commute time 21.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 57%.

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