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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-
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Population
212,859

Real Estate

Median Home Value
$119,800
National
$184,700
Median Rent
$775
National
$949
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Area Feel
Suburban
Rent vs. Own
  • Rent
    40%
  • Own
    60%

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
      485
      283
    • Murder
      6
      6
    • Rape
      57
      41
    • Robbery
      150
      136
    Property Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Burglary
      919
      500
    • Theft
      2,799
      2,043
    • Motor Vehicle Theft
      481
      284

    Residents

    Diversity
    A
    Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
    Median Household Income
    $48,088
    National
    $55,322
    Children
    21%
    Education Levels
    National
    • Master's degree or higher
      8%
      12%
    • Bachelor's degree
      18%
      19%
    • Some college or associate's degree
      32%
      29%
    • High school diploma or equivalent
      30%
      28%
    • Less than high school diploma
      13%
      13%

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    Des Moines Reviews

    158 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.
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    Des Moines is a wonderful place to live. In Des Moines everyone belongs, and everyone is accepted. Although it is a smaller and lesser known city, there are a vast amount of opportunities for each and every individual no matter their race, ethnicity, age etc. As years continue, Des Moines continues to expand rapidly. Our population increases every year, as well as housing, buildings, businesses etc. Have yet to be disappointed with the city, and I will continue to live, grow, and thrive here as long as I can. I would recommend this city for living to anyone who asks.
    I love Des Moines, I grew up here and enjoyed the experience of a local community within a big city. My parents are divorced, with my mother in West Des Moines and my father in Des Moines. I've always felt more at home in Des Moines, there is always something going on. Whether it be downtown, in the East Village, or hanging out at the multiple parks Des Moines Parks and Recreation offer. Des Moines is different than any other capital city, it provides warmth, happiness, inclusiveness, and that small town feel while being in a bustling city.