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Des Moines, Iowa

Last updated: 2024 BLS data · Page refreshed:

City Profile — Demographics, Income, Education & Housing
Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 5-Year Estimates
212,421
Population
$65,932
Median Income
$194,700
Home Value
34.6
Median Age

Demographics

Des Moines has a population of 212,421 with a median age of 34.6. Here is the racial and ethnic breakdown of the population:

White
64.1%
Hispanic
16.3%
Black
11.3%
Asian
6.6%
Other
1.7%
Demographic Value
Total Population212,421
Median Age34.6
White64.1%
Black or African American11.3%
Asian6.6%
Hispanic or Latino16.3%
Other / Two or More Races1.7%
Des Moines, Iowa — racial composition (Census ACS 2024)Donut chart of 5 segments totaling 100.White: 64.1%Hispanic/Latino: 16.3%Black: 11.3%Asian: 6.6%Other: 1.7%212,421PopulationWhiteWhite64.1%Hispanic/LatinoHispanic/Latino16.3%BlackBlack11.3%AsianAsian6.6%OtherOther1.7%

Income & Economy

The median household income in Des Moines is $65,932, which is 18.2% below the national median of $80,610. The per capita income is $37,863. The poverty rate is 15.0%.

$65,932
Median Household Income
$37,863
Per Capita Income
15.0%
Poverty Rate

Employment

The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 3.5%, compared to the national rate of 4.1%.

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Education

In Des Moines, 87.0% of residents age 25+ have a high school diploma or higher, and 29.7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher (9.3% with a graduate or professional degree).

HS Diploma+
87.0%
Bachelor's+
29.7%
Graduate+
9.3%
Education Level % of Adults (25+)
High School Diploma or Higher87.0%
Bachelor's Degree or Higher29.7%
Graduate or Professional Degree9.3%

Housing

The median home value in Des Moines is $194,700, below the national median of $303,400. The median monthly rent is $1,090. The homeownership rate is 60.5%.

$194,700
Median Home Value
$1,090/mo
Median Rent
60.5%
Homeownership Rate
Housing Metric Value
Median Home Value$194,700
Median Monthly Rent$1,090
Homeownership Rate60.5%
Vacancy Rate7.7%

Salaries in Iowa

Explore salary data for popular occupations in Iowa:

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Other Cities in Iowa

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Des Moines, Iowa?
The population of Des Moines, Iowa is 212,421 according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Des Moines, Iowa?
The median household income in Des Moines, Iowa is $65,932. This is 18.2% below the national median of $80,610.
What is the median home value in Des Moines, Iowa?
The median home value in Des Moines, Iowa is $194,700. The median monthly rent is $1,090.
What percentage of people in Des Moines have a college degree?
In Des Moines, Iowa, 29.7% of adults age 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 87.0% have a high school diploma or higher.
Is Des Moines, Iowa an affordable place to live?
The home price-to-income ratio in Des Moines, Iowa is 3.0x (median home value $194,700 vs. median income $65,932), making it relatively affordable by that measure. A ratio under 4.0 is generally considered affordable.

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