Des Moines, IA

Census Place

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2024 Population
212,421
US Senator
Chuck Grassley
Republican Party
US Senator
Joni Ernst
Republican Party
2024 Poverty Rate
15%
0.475% 1-year increase
2024 Median Household Income
$65,932
3.07% 1-year growth
2024 Median Property Value
$194,700
5.99% 1-year growth
2024 Employed Population
113,468
0.723% 1-year growth

About

None of the households in Des Moines, IA reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

92.3% of the residents in Des Moines, IA are U.S. citizens.

The largest universities in Des Moines, IA are Drake University (1,539 degrees awarded in 2023), Grand View University (530 degrees), and Mercy College of Health Sciences (486 degrees).

In 2024, the median property value in Des Moines, IA was $194,700, and the homeownership rate was 60.5%.

Most people in Des Moines, IA drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 19.5 minutes. The average car ownership in Des Moines, IA was 2 cars per household.

About the photo: Looking Northwest at the city from just south of the Capitol Building. In front of you is the Scott Street Dam and abandoned train bridge crossing the Des Moines River.
Photo by Jason Mrachina
United StatesIowaPolk County, IAWarren County, IADes Moines-West Des Moines, IADes Moines City PUMA, IAJasper, Marion, Warren Counties PUMA, IAPolk County (West) PUMA, IAPolk County (East)--Ankeny & Altoona Cities PUMA, IA

Population & Diversity

Des Moines, IA is home to a population of 212k people, from which 92.3% are citizens. As of 2024, 13.5% of Des Moines, IA residents were born outside of the country (28.6k people).

In 2024, there were 5.5 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (130k people) in Des Moines, IA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 23.6k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 13.9k Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Population & Diversity

Citizenship

92.3%
2024 Citizenship
92%
2023 Citizenship

As of 2024, 92.3% of Des Moines, IA residents were US citizens, which is lower than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in Des Moines, IA was 92%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been increasing.

The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Des Moines, IA compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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Diversity

Race and Ethnicity

The 3 largest ethnic groups in Des Moines, IA
  1. White (Non-Hispanic)
    130k ± 2.09k
  2. Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)
    23.6k ± 1.75k
  3. Asian (Non-Hispanic)
    13.9k ± 1.15k
16.3%
Hispanic Population
34.6k people

In 2024, there were 5.5 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (130k people) in Des Moines, IA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 23.6k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 13.9k Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

16.3% of the people in Des Moines, IA are hispanic (34.6k people).

The following chart shows the 8 races represented in Des Moines, IA as a share of the total population.

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Global Diversity

The PUMS dataset is not available at the Place level, so we are showing data for Iowa.
Most Common Origin
  1. Mexico
    42,808 ± 5,046 people
  2. India
    12,283 ± 2,716 people
  3. China
    7,889 ± 2,178 people

In 2023, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Iowa was Mexico, the natal country of 42,808 Iowa residents, followed by India with 12,283 and China with 7,889.

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Foreign-Born Population

13.5%
2024 Foreign-Born Population
28.6k people
13.3%
2023 Foreign-Born Population
28.4k people

As of 2024, 13.5% of Des Moines, IA residents (28.6k people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Des Moines, IA was 13.3%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Des Moines, IA compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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Military

Veterans

Most Common Service Period
  1. Vietnam
    2,468 ± 324
  2. Gulf War (2001-)
    2,003 ± 340
  3. Gulf War (1990s)
    1,034 ± 280

Des Moines, IA has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 1.23 times greater than any other conflict.

The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in Des Moines, IA.

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Economy

The economy of Des Moines, IA employs 113k people. In 2024, the largest industries in Des Moines, IA were Health Care & Social Assistance (15,102 people), Retail Trade (12,427 people), and Manufacturing (11,822 people), and the highest paying industries were Utilities ($90,417), Public Administration ($73,881), and Management of Companies & Enterprises ($73,194).

Employment

Occupations

113k
2024 Value
± 2,769
0.723%
1 Year growth
± 3.4%

From 2023 to 2024, employment in Des Moines, IA grew at a rate of 0.723%, from 113k employees to 113k employees.

The most common job groups, by number of people living in Des Moines, IA, are Office & Administrative Support Occupations (12,641 people), Management Occupations (11,115 people), and Sales & Related Occupations (9,376 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Des Moines, IA.

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Unemployment Insurance Claims

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Iowa.

This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in Iowa (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

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Industries

Employment by Industries

113k
2024 Value
± 2,769
0.723%
1 Year growth
± 3.4%

From 2023 to 2024, employment in Des Moines, IA grew at a rate of 0.723%, from 113k employees to 113k employees.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in Des Moines, IA, are Health Care & Social Assistance (15,102 people), Retail Trade (12,427 people), and Manufacturing (11,822 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Des Moines, IA, though some of these residents may live in Des Moines, IA and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

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Median Earnings by Industry

$50,519
Median earning men ± $1,106
$40,163
Median earning women ± $1,078

The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Public Administration ($80,459), Information ($73,608), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($69,917).

The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Public Administration ($68,188), Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting, & Mining ($61,563), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($54,492).

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Employment by Industry Sector

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Iowa.
Y-Axis
1.48%
Year-over-year growth
Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

As of February 2023, there are 1.57M people employed in Iowa. This represents a 1.48% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

Right after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during April 2020, a general dip can be seen across industry sectors, resulting in an overall decline in employment by 10.9%.

The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in Iowa.

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Civics

In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Iowa went to Donald J. Trump with 55.7% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (42.5%), followed by Robert Kennedy (0.789%).

Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are the senators currently representing the state of Iowa. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

Iowa is currently represented by 4 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

Presidential Elections

Voting results are not available for Des Moines, IA. Showing the available data for Iowa.
2024 Election Results
  1. Donald J. Trump (55.7%)
    Republican Party
  2. Kamala Harris (42.5%)
    Democratic Party
  3. Robert Kennedy (0.789%)
    Independent Party

In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Iowa went to Donald J. Trump with 55.7% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (42.5%), followed by Robert Kennedy (0.789%).

The following chart shows the popular vote results in Iowa for each registered party from 1976 to 2024.

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Senator Elections

US Senators from Iowa

Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for Iowa.
Chuck Grassley
Senator from Iowa3
Assumed office on January 3, 1981
Joni Ernst
Senator from Iowa2
Assumed office on January 3, 2015

Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are the senators currently representing Iowa.

In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

The following chart shows elected senators in Iowa over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

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Education

In 2023, universities in Des Moines, IA awarded 2,564 degrees. The student population of Des Moines, IA in 2023 is skewed towards women, with 2,625 male students and 4,598 female students.

Most students graduating from Universities in Des Moines, IA are White (1,926 and 76.6%), Hispanic or Latino (181 and 7.2%), Black or African American (163 and 6.49%), and Asian (127 and 5.05%).

The largest universities in Des Moines, IA by number of degrees awarded are Drake University (1,539 and 60%), Grand View University (530 and 20.7%), and Mercy College of Health Sciences (486 and 19%).

The most popular majors in Des Moines, IA are Registered Nursing (353 and 13.8%), General Business Administration & Management (106 and 4.13%), and Law (105 and 4.1%).

The median tuition cost in Des Moines, IA for private four year colleges is $32,800.

Admissions & Enrollments

Applicants, Admissions & Enrolled

University
Measure

In 2023 in Des Moines, IA, the percentage of applicants admitted was 70.7%, while the percentage of admitted who enrolled was 15.6%. The number of students enrolled in 2023 was 7,223 (36.3% men and 63.7% women).

The line chart  shows the evolution of the percentage of applicants admitted, admitted who enrolled or the number of students enrolled according to the option selected in the upper button.

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Enrollments by Gender and Races

Universities

In 2023 there were 7,223 students enrolled in Des Moines, IA, 36.3% men and 63.7% women.

By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 5,068 records, of which 65.4% were women and 34.6% men.

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Completions

Concentrations

Most Common
  1. Registered Nursing
    327 degrees awarded
  2. General Marketing & Marketing Management
    70 degrees awarded
  3. General Psychology
    69 degrees awarded

In 2023, the most common concentation for Bachelors Degree recipients in Des Moines, IA was Registered Nursing with 327 degrees awarded.

This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Bachelors Degree from schools in Des Moines, IA according to their major.

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Universities

Gender
Race
Largest Universities by degrees awarded
  1. Drake University
    1,539 degrees awarded
  2. Grand View University
    530 degrees awarded
  3. Mercy College of Health Sciences
    486 degrees awarded

In 2023, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Drake University with 1,539 degrees awarded.

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Student Diversity

University

In 2023, 883 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Des Moines, IA, which is 0.525 times less than the 1,681 female students who received degrees in the same year.

In 2023, the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 1,926 degrees mean that there were 10.6 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Hispanic or Latino, with 181 degrees awarded.

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Awarded Degrees over Time

The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

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Tuition

Average Net Price by Sector

Universities

Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($32,800) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2023.

Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($564) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2023.

Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($1,200) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

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Housing & Living

The median property value in Des Moines, IA was $194,700 in 2024, which is 0.585 times smaller than the national average of $332,700. Between 2023 and 2024 the median property value increased from $183,700 to $194,700, a 5.99% increase. The homeownership rate in Des Moines, IA is 60.5%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2%.

People in Des Moines, IA have an average commute time of 19.5 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Des Moines, IA is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

Housing

Property

$194,700
Median Property Value 2024
±$3,372
$54,506
Median Property Taxes
±$1,602

The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Des Moines, IA the largest share of households pay taxes in the $3k+ range.

The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Des Moines, IA compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

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Rent vs Own

60.5%
Homeownership
2024
61.2%
Homeowners with Mortgage
2024

In 2024, 60.5% of the housing units in Des Moines, IA were occupied by their owner. This percentage grew from the previous year's rate of 60.4%.

This chart shows the percentage of owner in Des Moines, IA compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

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Equity

Household Income

Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.
$65,932
Median Household Income
± $1,922
90.1k
Number of Households
± 2,573

In 2024, the median household income of the 90.1k households in Des Moines, IA grew to $65,932 from the previous year's value of $63,966.

The following chart displays the households in Des Moines, IA distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $75k - $100k range.

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Wage Distribution

The closest comparable wage GINI for Des Moines, IA is from Iowa.
0.441
2023 Wage GINI in Iowa
0.442
2022 Wage GINI in Iowa

In 2023, the income inequality in Iowa was 0.441 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.304% decline from 2022 to 2023, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for Iowa was lower than than the national average of 0.476. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Iowa in comparison to the national average.

This chart shows the number of workers in Iowa across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

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Transportation

Commuter Transportation

Most Common Commute in 2024
  1. Drove Alone (70.9%)
  2. Worked At Home (13.1%)
  3. Carpooled (11%)

In 2024, 70.9% of workers in Des Moines, IA drove alone to work, followed by those who worked at home (13.1%) and those who carpooled to work (11%).

The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

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Commute Time

19.5 minutes
Average Travel Time

Using averages, employees in Des Moines, IA have a shorter commute time (19.5 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 1.26% of the workforce in Des Moines, IA have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

The chart below shows how the median household income in Des Moines, IA compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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Car Ownership

2 cars
Average Number

The following chart displays the households in Des Moines, IA distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Des Moines, IA have 2 cars.

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Poverty

Poverty & Diversity

15% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Des Moines, IA (31.1k out of 208k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 25 - 34, followed by Females 18 - 24 and then Females 55 - 64.

The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Des Moines, IA is White, followed by Black and Hispanic.

The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

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Health

92.8% of the population of Des Moines, IA has health coverage, with 46.1% on employee plans, 26% on Medicaid, 9.25% on Medicare, 10.3% on non-group plans, and 1.19% on military or VA plans.

Primary care physicians in Iowa see 1,385 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,385 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1411 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 466 patients per year.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 50.1% were men and 49.9% were women.

Coverage

Health Care Diversity

In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 24.7% under 18 years, 26.4% between 18 and 34 years, 36.6% between 35 and 64 years, and 12.3% over 64 years.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 50.1% were men and 49.9% were women.

The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

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Uninsured People

7.21%
Uninsured
46.1%
Employer Coverage
26%
Medicaid
9.25%
Medicare
10.3%
Non-Group
1.19%
Military or VA

Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in Des Moines, IA grew by 8.07% from 6.67% to 7.21%.

The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Des Moines, IA changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

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