A-
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Public Schools
    B-
  2. Crime & Safety
    C
  3. Housing
    B-
  4. Nightlife
    A-
  5. Good for Families
    B+
  6. Diversity
    A
  7. Jobs
    B
  8. Weather
    B-
  9. Cost of Living
    B+
  10. Health & Fitness
    B+
  11. Outdoor Activities
    B
  12. Commute
    A
View Full Report Card
Population
208,020

Real Estate

Median Home Value
$117,800
National
$178,600
Median Rent
$754
National
$928
Area Feel
Suburban
Rent vs. Own
  • Rent
    39%
  • Own
    61%

Des Moines Rankings

Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.
  • Public Schools
  • Private Schools
  • Colleges

    Crime & Safety

    Crime & Safety
    C
    Based on violent and property crime rates.
    Violent Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Assault
      514
      0
    • Murder
      9
      0
    • Rape
      57
      41
    • Robbery
      134
      0
    Property Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Burglary
      956
      1
    • Theft
      2,604
      2,081
    • Motor Vehicle Theft
      452
      0

    Residents

    Diversity
    A
    Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
    Median Household Income
    $46,290
    National
    $53,889
    Children
    22%
    Education Levels
    National
    • Master's degree or higher
      7%
      11%
    • Bachelor's degree
      18%
      19%
    • Some college or associate's degree
      31%
      29%
    • High school diploma or equivalent
      31%
      28%
    • Less than high school diploma
      13%
      13%
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    Des Moines Reviews

    118 reviews
    All Categories
    Des Moines I a wonderful place to grow, learn, work and raise a family. You will be exposed to a tremendous public school system that actually educates, and a Midwestern work ethic that comes from a rural small town feel. The downtown has been revitalized and the local economy is driven by the banking and insurance industries. Des Moines is the capital city of the state, but is has a small town charm that is hard to beat! I was born and raised here, and wouldn't trade my Iowa upbringing for anything offered anywhere. All of the things that matter to younger people can be attained here. Des Moines is family friendly, the cost of living is low, real estate is not so high as to prevent home ownership, health lifestyles are encouraged, and it is a safe place to live.
    Review Des Moines
    I love Des Moines, Iowa. With the beautiful city scape and river passing on the downtown edge, there is always a beautiful sunrise or sunset. Many of the people you meet are welcoming and helpful, has that small town feel within a city atmosphere. Travel twenty minutes outside of Des Moines and you have beautiful landscapes of farms. I lived downtown for two years and loved every moment, always something to do, eat, or see!
    What I love about Des Moines is that it is full of wonderful, kind people. Des Moines and its suburbs have quaint neighborhoods that give you a very "homey" feel. Great location to grow up in, and start a family in. There are also so many things to do! Kayaking, nature trails, botanical centers, or see shows downtown.