Des Moines, IA

Census Place

Add Comparison

2021 Population

213,545

0.865% 1-year decline

US Senator

Chuck Grassley

Republican Party

US Senator

Joni Ernst

Republican Party

2021 Median Age

34.2

0.588% 1-year increase

2021 Poverty Rate

15.3%

4.57% 1-year decrease

2021 Median Household Income

$58,444

6.57% 1-year growth

2021 Median Property Value

$149,700

5.94% 1-year growth

2021 Employed Population

111,144

0.124% 1-year decline

About

In 2021, Des Moines, IA had a population of 214k people with a median age of 34.2 and a median household income of $58,444. Between 2020 and 2021 the population of Des Moines, IA declined from 215,408 to 213,545, a −0.865% decrease and its median household income grew from $54,843 to $58,444, a 6.57% increase.

The 5 largest ethnic groups in Des Moines, IA are White (Non-Hispanic) (63.5%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (10.9%), White (Hispanic) (8.22%), Asian (Non-Hispanic) (7.09%), and Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (3.63%).

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.

91.7% of the residents in Des Moines, IA are U.S. citizens.

The largest universities in Des Moines, IA are Drake University (1,503 degrees awarded in 2021), Grand View University (565 degrees), and Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center (460 degrees).

In 2021, the median property value in Des Moines, IA was $149,700, and the homeownership rate was 60%.

Most people in Des Moines, IA drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 19.1 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 States Iowa Polk County, IA Warren County, IA Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Warren, Jasper, Marion, Dallas (West) & Madison Counties PUMA, IA West Des Moines & Urbandale Cities PUMA, IA Ankeny & Altoona Cities PUMA, IA Des Moines City PUMA, IA

Population & Diversity

Des Moines, IA is home to a population of 214k people, from which 91.7% are citizens. As of 2021, 13.8% of Des Moines, IA residents were born outside of the country (29.4k people).

In 2021, there were 5.83 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (136k people) in Des Moines, IA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 23.3k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 17.5k White (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Population & Diversity

Citizenship

91.7%

2021 Citizenship

92%

2020 Citizenship

As of 2021, 91.7% of Des Moines, IA residents were US citizens, which is lower than the national average of 93.4%. In 2020, the percentage of US citizens in Des Moines, IA was 92%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

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

Diversity

Race and Ethnicity

The 3 largest ethnic groups in Des Moines, IA

White (Non-Hispanic)
136k ± 1.83k
Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)
23.3k ± 1.28k
White (Hispanic)
17.5k ± 1.31k

14.6%

Hispanic Population

31.1k people

14.6% of the people in Des Moines, IA are hispanic (31.1k people).

The following chart shows the 7 races represented in Des Moines, IA as a share of the total population.

Global Diversity

The PUMS dataset is not available at the Place level, so we are showing data for Iowa.

Most Common Origin

Mexico
41,634 ± 4,977 people
India
10,950 ± 2,565 people
Vietnam
8,674 ± 2,283 people

In 2021, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Iowa was Mexico, the natal country of 41,634 Iowa residents, followed by India with 10,950 and Vietnam with 8,674.

Foreign-Born Population

13.8%

2021 Foreign-Born Population

29.4k people

12.9%

2020 Foreign-Born Population

27.8k people

As of 2021, 13.8% of Des Moines, IA residents (29.4k people) were born outside of the United States, which is higher than the national average of 13.6%. In 2020, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Des Moines, IA was 12.9%, 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.

Military

Veterans

Most Common Service Period

Vietnam
2,925 ± 323
Gulf War (2001-)
1,864 ± 364
Gulf War (1990s)
1,086 ± 247

Des Moines, IA has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 1.57 times greater than any other conflict.

Economy

The economy of Des Moines, IA employs 111k people. The largest industries in Des Moines, IA are Health Care & Social Assistance (15,214 people), Finance & Insurance (12,616 people), and Manufacturing (12,127 people), and the highest paying industries are Utilities ($68,398), Public Administration ($60,944), and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services ($57,177).

Males in Iowa have an average income that is 1.35 times higher than the average income of females, which is $50,335. The income inequality in Iowa (measured using the Gini index) is 0.439, which is lower than than the national average.

Employment

Occupations

111k

2021 Value

± 2,563

−0.124%

1 Year decline

± 3.26%

From 2020 to 2021, employment in Des Moines, IA declined at a rate of −0.124%, from 111k employees to 111k employees.

The most common job groups, by number of people living in Des Moines, IA, are Office & Administrative Support Occupations (13,750 people), Sales & Related Occupations (10,422 people), and Production Occupations (8,989 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Des Moines, IA.

Unemployment Insurance Claims

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

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.

View Full Dashboard

Industries

Employment by Industries

111k

2021 Value

± 2,563

−0.124%

1 Year decline

± 3.26%

From 2020 to 2021, employment in Des Moines, IA declined at a rate of −0.124%, from 111k employees to 111k employees.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in Des Moines, IA, are Health Care & Social Assistance (15,214 people), Finance & Insurance (12,616 people), and Manufacturing (12,127 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.

Median Earnings by Industry

$43,027

Median earning men ± $936

$33,597

Median earning women ± $1,069

The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2021 are Public Administration ($68,094), Information ($61,991), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($59,681).

The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2021 are Public Administration ($55,575), Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting, & Mining ($52,656), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($49,335).

Employment by Industry Sector

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

Y-Axis

2.75%

Year-over-year growth

Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

As of February 2023, there are 155M people employed in Iowa. This represents a 2.75% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

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

View Full Dashboard

Domestic Trade

Domestic Production & Consumption

Domestic production and consumption consists of products and services shipped from Iowa to other states, or from other states to Iowa.

Top Domestic Production in Dollars

Meat/seafood
$20.6B
Mixed freight
$19.9B
Machinery
$19.1B

In 2020, the top outbound Iowa product (by dollars) was Meat/seafood with $20.6B, followed by Mixed freight ($19.9B) and Machinery ($19.1B).

The following chart shows the share of these products in relation to all outbound Iowa products.

Domestic Trade Growth

Showing data for Iowa.

$252B

2020 Value in Iowa

$518B

Projected 2050 Value in Iowa

105% growth

In 2020, total outbound Iowa trade was $252B. This is expected to increase 105% to $518B by 2050.

The following chart shows how the domestic outbound Iowa trade is projected to change in comparison to its neighboring states.

Interstate Trade

Interstate trade consists of products and services shipped from Iowa to other states, or from other states to Iowa.

Most Common Trade Partners

Illinois
$21.2B
Minnesota
$16.2B
Texas
$10.8B

In 2020, the top outbound Iowa domestic partner for goods and services (by dollars) was Illinois with $21.2B, followed by Minnesota with $16.2B and Texas and $10.8B.

The following map shows the amount of trade that Iowa shares with each state (excluding itself).

Civics

In the 2020 presidential election, the popular vote in Iowa went to Donald J. Trump with 52.8% of the vote. The runner-up was Joseph R Biden Jr. (44.6%), followed by Jo Jorgensen (1.16%).

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

Presidential Popular Vote Over Time

Voting results are not available for Des Moines, IA. Showing the available data for Iowa.

2020 Election Results

Donald J. Trump (52.8%)
Republican Party
Joseph R Biden Jr. (44.6%)
Democratic Party
Jo Jorgensen (1.16%)
Libertarian Party

In the 2020 presidential election, the popular vote in Iowa went to Donald J. Trump with 52.8% of the vote. The runner-up was Joseph R Biden Jr. (44.6%), followed by Jo Jorgensen (1.16%).

The following chart shows the popular vote results in Iowa for each registered party from 1976 to 2020.

Senator Elections

US Senators from Iowa

Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for Iowa.

Chuck Grassley

Senator from Iowa

Assumed office on January 3, 1981

Joni Ernst

Senator from Iowa

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.

US Representative Elections

US Representatives from Iowa

Iowa is currently represented by 4 members in the U.S. house.

Members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms, and the following chart shows the how the members for Iowa have changed over time starting in 2008.

Education

In 2021, universities in Des Moines, IA awarded 2,962 degrees. The student population of Des Moines, IA in 2021 is skewed towards women, with 3,533 male students and 5,626 female students.

Most students graduating from Universities in Des Moines, IA are White (2,263 and 78%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (184 and 6.34%), Asian (163 and 5.62%), and Black or African American (134 and 4.62%).

The largest universities in Des Moines, IA by number of degrees awarded are Drake University (1,503 and 50.7%), Grand View University (565 and 19.1%), and Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center (460 and 15.5%).

The most popular majors in Des Moines, IA are Registered Nursing (374 and 12.6%), Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy. (205 and 6.92%), and General Educational Leadership & Administration (100 and 3.38%).

The median tuition cost in Des Moines, IA for private four year colleges is $30,224.

Admissions & Enrollments

Applicants, Admissions & Enrolled

University

Measure

In 2021 in Des Moines, IA, the percentage of applicants admitted was 74.9%, while the percentage of admitted who enrolled was 15%. The number of students enrolled in 2021 was 9,159 (38.6% men and 61.4% 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.

Enrollments by Gender and Races

Universities

In 2021 there were 9,159 students enrolled in Des Moines, IA, 38.6% men and 61.4% women.

By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 6,742 records, of which 63% were women and 37% men.

Completions

Concentrations

Most Common

Registered Nursing
329 degrees awarded
General Marketing & Marketing Management
68 degrees awarded
General Finance
63 degrees awarded

In 2021, the most common concentation for Bachelors Degree recipients in Des Moines, IA was Registered Nursing with 329 degrees awarded.

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

Universities

Gender

Race

Largest Universities by degrees awarded

Drake University
1,503 degrees awarded
Grand View University
565 degrees awarded
Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center
460 degrees awarded

In 2021, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Drake University with 1,503 degrees awarded.

Student Diversity

University

In 2021, 1,102 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Des Moines, IA, which is 0.592 times less than the 1,860 female students who received degrees in the same year.

In 2021 the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 2,263 degrees mean that there were 12.3 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Hispanic or Latino, with 184 degrees awarded.

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.

Tuition

Average Net Price by Sector

Universities

Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($30,224) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2021.

Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($454) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2021.

Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($1,100) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

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

Working Population

Educational Pyramid

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

Measure

In 2021, 0.63% of men over 25 years of age had not completed any academic degree (no schooling), while 0.621% of women were in the same situation.

This visualization shows the gender distribution of the population according to the academic level reached.

Educational Attainment

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

Race

The most common educational levels obtained by the working population in 2021 were High School or Equivalent (742k), Some college (567k), and Bachelors Degree (459k).

This visualization illustrates the percentage distribution of the population according to the highest educational level reached. You can filter the data by race by using the selector above.

Housing & Living

The median property value in Des Moines, IA was $149,700 in 2021, which is 0.611 times smaller than the national average of $244,900. Between 2020 and 2021 the median property value increased from $141,300 to $149,700, a 5.94% increase. The homeownership rate in Des Moines, IA is 60%, which is approximately the same as the national average of 64.6%.

People in Des Moines, IA have an average commute time of 19.1 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.

Median household income in Des Moines, IA is $58,444. In 2021, the place with the highest median household income in Des Moines, IA was Census Tract 30.02 with a value of $127,174, followed by Census Tract 204 and Census Tract 31, with respective values of $89,803 and $84,715.

Housing

Property

$149,700

Median Property Value 2021

±$2,349

$52,175

Median Property Taxes

±$1,533

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.

Rent vs Own

60%

Homeownership

2021

62.1%

Homeowners with Mortgage

2021

In 2021, 60% of the housing units in Des Moines, IA were occupied by their owner. This percentage grew from the previous year's rate of 59.6%.

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

Equity

Income by Location

Use the dropdown to filter by race/ethnicity.

Race/Ethnicity

Highest Median Household Income (Total)

Census Tract 30.02
Census Tract 204
Census Tract 31

In 2021, the place with the highest Median Household Income (Total) in Des Moines, IA was Census Tract 30.02 with a value of $127,174, followed by Census Tract 204 and Census Tract 31, with respective values of $89,803 and $84,715.

The following map shows all of the places in Des Moines, IA colored by their Median Household Income (Total).

Household Income

Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.

$58,444

Median Household Income

± $1,626

87k

Number of Households

± 2,265

In 2021, the median household income of the 87k households in Des Moines, IA grew to $58,444 from the previous year's value of $54,843.

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.

Wage Distribution

The closest comparable wage GINI for Des Moines, IA is from Iowa.

0.439

2021 Wage GINI in Iowa

0.438

2020 Wage GINI in Iowa

In 2021, the income inequality in Iowa was 0.439 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.221% growth from 2020 to 2021, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat less even. The GINI for Iowa was lower than than the national average of 0.478. 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.

Transportation

Commuter Transportation

Most Common Commute in 2021

Drove Alone (75.4%)
Carpooled (10.6%)
Worked At Home (8.17%)

In 2021, 75.4% of workers in Des Moines, IA drove alone to work, followed by those who carpooled to work (10.6%) and those who worked at home (8.17%).

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.

Commute Time

19.1 minutes

Average Travel Time

Using averages, employees in Des Moines, IA have a shorter commute time (19.1 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.8 minutes). Additionally, 1.09% 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.

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.

Poverty

Poverty & Diversity

15.3% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Des Moines, IA (31.9k out of 209k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.6%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 25 - 34, followed by Females 18 - 24 and then Females 6 - 11.

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.

Social Needs

Data only available at the state level.

Most prevalent states

California
35,798 individuals
New York
5,087 individuals
Florida
4,915 individuals

In 2017, California had the highest estimated number of chronically homeless individuals in the nation, at 35,798. New York has the second highest (5,087), followed by Florida (4,915).

The following map shows the estimated number of chronically homeless individuals by state over multiple years.

Health

93.7% of the population of Des Moines, IA has health coverage, with 47.3% on employee plans, 25.1% on Medicaid, 9.11% on Medicare, 11.1% on non-group plans, and 1.15% on military or VA plans.

Primary care physicians in Polk County, IA see 1025 patients per year on average, which represents a 0.0975% decrease from the previous year (1026 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1332 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 349 patients per year.

Coverage

Patient to Clinician Ratios

Data is only available at the country level. Showing data for Polk County, IA.

1,025 to 1

Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in Polk County, IA

Primary care physicians in Polk County, IA see an average of 1,025 patients per year. This represents a 0.0975% decrease from the previous year (1,026 patients).

The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in Polk County, IA in comparison to its neighboring geographies.

Health Care Diversity

In 2021, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 25.6% under 18 years, 25.8% between 18 and 34 years, 36.7% between 35 and 64 years, and 11.8% over 64 years.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 48.5% were men and 51.5% were women.

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

Uninsured People

6.25%

Uninsured

47.3%

Employer Coverage

25.1%

Medicaid

9.11%

Medicare

11.1%

Non-Group

1.15%

Military or VA

Between 2020 and 2021, the percent of uninsured citizens in Des Moines, IA declined by 1.74% from 6.36% to 6.25%.

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.