C+

Overall212.5kPopulation

Explore Map ↗

C+

ReloScore

212.5kPopulation

Photo: Wikipedia

Des Moines, IA

Summary

Des Moines, Iowa, offers a compelling blend of Midwestern stability and urban reinvention, attracting a steady stream of families and single professionals seeking a lower-cost, higher-quality alternative to coastal metros. With a population of 212,464, the city serves as the state’s economic and political hub while maintaining a distinctly manageable, community-oriented feel. The typical newcomer is drawn by affordable housing, a resilient job market anchored by insurance and finance, and a pace of life that balances career opportunity with genuine work-life balance. For conservative-leaning individuals and parents, Des Moines presents a pragmatic choice: a growing city that has largely avoided the extreme cost and cultural upheaval seen in larger Sun Belt boomtowns.

Who lives here: a young, growing, and increasingly diverse population

Des Moines is a relatively young city with a median age of 34.6, several years below the national median, reflecting its appeal to early-career professionals and families. The population is growing steadily, driven by both domestic migration from neighboring states and a notable increase in international arrivals. The city’s foreign-born population stands at 8.0%, a share that has risen noticeably over the past decade as refugees and skilled workers have settled in the area. The largest demographic shift has been a dramatic surge in the city’s Indian community, which has swelled rapidly since 2010, reshaping neighborhoods on the south and west sides and contributing to a more diverse civic landscape. This growth is distinct from the broader Asian population, which has also grown but at a more modest pace. The city remains majority White, but the cultural texture is evolving, with vibrant enclaves of Latino, Bosnian, and Burmese residents adding to the mix. The college-educated share is 29.0%, below the national average, though this is rising as employers like Principal Financial and Wells Fargo attract degreed talent. The overall trajectory is one of measured, stable growth—not explosive, but consistent and sustainable.

Economy and cost of living: stable employment and genuine affordability

Des Moines’ economy is famously stable, anchored by a deep bench of insurance and financial services firms—Principal Financial, Nationwide, and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield are among the largest employers. The city also hosts a growing tech and ag-tech sector, with startups and data centers benefiting from low energy costs and central location. The median household income of $63,966 is slightly above the national median, but what sets Des Moines apart is how far that income goes. The median home value of $183,700 is less than half the national figure, and the median rent of $1,054 is similarly low, making homeownership achievable for single earners and young families alike. The homeownership rate of 60.4% reflects this accessibility. Compared to surrounding suburbs like West Des Moines or Ankeny, the city proper offers lower entry prices, though property taxes in Iowa are relatively high and should be factored into any budget. The job market is not boom-and-bust; it offers steady, predictable employment growth, which appeals to conservative-leaning individuals who prioritize stability over speculative upside.

Daily life and quality of life: family-friendly, car-dependent, and safe in patches

Daily life in Des Moines is defined by its car-dependent layout, though the downtown core has seen a walkability renaissance with the Skywalk system connecting offices, restaurants, and the Iowa Events Center. For families, the public school landscape is mixed: the Des Moines Public Schools district serves a diverse, high-poverty student body, and many conservative parents opt for suburban districts (Waukee, Johnston, Ankeny) or private and charter options within the city. The violent crime rate of 640.6 per 100,000 is a significant concern—roughly 1.7 times the national average—and is concentrated in specific neighborhoods on the east and north sides. Property crime is also elevated. However, many central and western neighborhoods (Beaverdale, Waterbury, South of Grand) feel safe and family-oriented, with tree-lined streets and strong community associations. Amenities are solid for a city of this size: the Des Moines Art Center, the Iowa State Fair, and the High Trestle Trail are regional draws. The city’s parks system is well-maintained, and Gray’s Lake offers a quick outdoor escape. Winters are long and cold, which filters out those unwilling to deal with snow and ice, but the city handles it efficiently. For parents, the abundance of affordable youth sports leagues, 4-H programs, and church-based activities aligns well with conservative family values.

Looking ahead, Des Moines is on a trajectory of steady, unflashy growth—it will not transform into a Denver or Austin, but it doesn’t need to. The city is an excellent fit for conservative singles and parents who prioritize financial stability, community rootedness, and a slower pace over cultural amenities or career volatility. It is a poor fit for those seeking warm winters, dense urban walkability, or a rapidly appreciating real estate market. What distinguishes Des Moines most is its genuine affordability paired with a stable, diversified economy—a combination increasingly rare in the United States, and one that allows residents to build wealth and raise families without the constant pressure of coastal living.

ReloMaps Score5/10

C+

HousingHousing Affordability10/10

Affordable: 2.9x income

Population Density6/10

Suburban: 2,410/sq mi

AirAir Quality9/10

Great: 45 AQI

HumidityClimate Comfort6/10

Comfortable: 64°F dew pt

HealthcareHealthcare Access10/10

Excellent

StabilityPopulation Stability9/10

Stable

CostCost of Living10/10

Affordable: 80 index

Economic Opportunity3/10

Weak: $64k median

Job Market8/10

Strong: 3.2% unemployment

Wealth Floor6/10

Good

Taxes4/10

Moderate: 11.2% burden

Crime & Safety4/10

Fair

TrafficTraffic Safety7/10

Safe

Education4/10

Average

DegreedPopulation Education Level2/10

Low: 29% degreed

HomesteadingHomesteading Potential9/10

Prime

WaterTap Water10/10

Clean

National DisasterNational Disaster Risk1/10

High-Risk

Power Grid10/10

Reliable: ~84 min/yr

Find The Best Places To Live
in Des Moines

PRO TIP! You can paste a Zillow or Redfin link to get info on that property.

What It's Like Living in Des Moines, IA

Des Moines has a quiet confidence about it—a Midwestern capital that feels more like a big small town than a bustling metro. People here work hard, show up for each other, and take genuine pride in their city without needing to shout about it. If you’re looking for a place where you can still buy a home for under $200,000, get to work in under 20 minutes, and find a community that actually knows its neighbors, Des Moines deserves a serious look.

The Daily Rhythm: Work, Commute, and Weekend Life

Life in Des Moines moves at a pace that feels sustainable. The average commute is just under 20 minutes, which means most people spend more time at the dinner table than in traffic. The city’s median age is 34.6, and the workforce is anchored by major employers like Principal Financial, Wellmark Blue Cross, and the state government. The median household income sits at $63,966, which goes further here than in most places—the cost of living index is 80, a full 20 points below the national average. Weekends often revolve around the Downtown Farmers’ Market (one of the largest in the Midwest), catching a show at the Des Moines Civic Center, or grabbing a beer at Court Avenue Brewing or Exile Brewing Company. For families, the Des Moines Botanical Garden and the Science Center of Iowa are reliable weekend staples.

Sports, Community, and What People Actually Do

Sports here are a genuine thread in the community fabric. The Iowa Cubs (Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs) draw solid crowds at Principal Park, and the Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL hockey) have a loyal following. But the real energy comes from high school and college sports—Dowling Catholic, Valley High School, and Ankeny Centennial football games can pull thousands on a Friday night. Iowa State and University of Iowa gear is everywhere, and the annual Cy-Hawk rivalry game divides households for a weekend. Beyond sports, the Iowa State Fair is the undisputed king of summer events—over a million people come through for the fried food, livestock shows, and concerts. The 80/35 Music Festival brings national indie acts to Western Gateway Park, and the Des Moines Arts Festival fills the streets with local and regional artists. For outdoor time, Gray’s Lake Park offers a 2.5-mile paved loop and skyline views, while Brown’s Woods and Jester Park provide legit hiking and mountain biking trails within 20 minutes of downtown.

Pros and Cons of Living Here

Let’s be honest about what works and what doesn’t. On the upside: housing is genuinely affordable—the median home value is $183,700, which means a single person earning the median income can realistically buy a starter home. The job market is stable, the schools (especially in suburbs like Waukee, Johnston, and West Des Moines) are well-regarded, and the city feels safe in most neighborhoods during the day. On the downside, the violent crime rate is 640.6 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average and concentrated in certain parts of the city—it’s worth researching specific neighborhoods. Winters are long and real: expect snow from November through March, with wind chills that can drop below zero for weeks at a time. The social scene can feel insular—many locals have known each other since high school, so newcomers need to be intentional about building a circle. And while the food scene has improved dramatically in the last decade, you won’t find the diversity of cuisine you’d get in Chicago or Minneapolis.

Who Fits In—and Who Might Struggle

Des Moines works best for people who value stability over flash. It’s a strong fit for young professionals starting a career, families who want good schools and a yard, and retirees looking to stretch a fixed income. The city is also increasingly welcoming to remote workers who want a lower cost of living without sacrificing city amenities. It’s less ideal for someone who craves 24-hour nightlife, extreme cultural diversity, or walkable urban density—Des Moines is car-dependent, and while downtown has energy, the city’s character is suburban and spread out. Politically, the city itself leans blue, but the surrounding suburbs and rural areas are reliably red, giving the metro a balanced, live-and-let-live feel. The cultural quirk you’ll notice fastest: Iowans are friendly but not pushy. They’ll hold the door, wave you into traffic, and ask how your day is going—but they won’t pry. It’s a place where you can build a good life quietly, and that’s exactly what draws people here.