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City

Des Moines

#96 in Best Cities for Young Professionals in America
  • B+
    Overall Grade
  • City in Iowa
  • 191 reviews
B+
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
Des Moines is a city in Iowa with a population of 214,778. Des Moines is in Polk County. Living in Des Moines offers residents a suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Des Moines there are a lot of bars, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Des Moines and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Des Moines are above average.
About Des Moines...
Population
214,778

Real Estate

Median Home Value
$123,300
National
$184,700
Median Rent
$797
National
$949
Area Feel
Suburban
Rent vs. Own
  • Rent
    40%
  • Own
    60%
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Des Moines Rankings

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

Des Moines Neighborhood Map

  • 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
      456.1
      282.7
    • Murder
      12.9
      6.1
    • Rape
      33.6
      40.7
    • Robbery
      167.5
      135.5
    Property Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Burglary
      1,099.1
      500.1
    • Theft
      2,734.3
      2,042.8
    • Motor Vehicle Theft
      579.9
      284
    Home Security Options for Des Moines
    Learn More
    • 24/7 Whole home protection with no contract
    • CNET Editor’s choice winner 2018

    Residents

    Diversity
    A
    Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
    Age
    • <10 years
      14%
    • 10-17 years
      10%
    • 18-24 years
      11%
    • 25-34 years
      17%
    • 35-44 years
      13%
    • 45-54 years
      12%
    • 55-64 years
      12%
    • 65+ years
      12%
    Education Levels
    National
    • Master's degree or higher
      8%
      12%
    • Bachelor's degree
      18%
      19%
    • Some college or associate's degree
      31%
      29%
    • High school diploma or equivalent
      30%
      28%
    • Less than high school diploma
      14%
      13%

    Working in Des Moines

    Jobs
    B+
    Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
    Median Household Income
    $49,999
    National
    $55,322
    Search for Jobs in Des Moines
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    Des Moines Reviews

    191 reviews
    All Categories
    I love Des Moines and surrounding communities. Everything you may need is right here ! Family oriented and boredom is rare. DesMoines has so much to offer your life and a great place to raise a family nonmatter your ethnicity. Great schools, great shopping, and all around endless possibilties!
    Start Your Review of Des Moines
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    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.
    I have lived in Des Moines for most of my life, I call this city my home and take pride in it. The holiday celebrations the city and it's people all do is very memorable and not to mention the many activities available, from concerts by the river to local farmers' markets downtown and many ethical fests. I have grown up here and have gone on many adventures with trying out different restaurants and sitting in on open-mic nights and even riding bikes in the night and watching over the city from parking garages. Des Moines has changed and improved much but never lost it's greatness in being unique to Iowa and a fantastic home to many.