Des Moines, IA
Population 212,464 · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA MSA. Moving to or from Des Moines? Below: current climate, cost-of-living, housing, demographic, and job-market figures from public federal data.
Population
212,464
Cost of living (RPP)
91.701
Annual avg temp
51°F
Typical home
$208,166
Demographics (ACS 5-year 2023)
| Median household income | $63,966 |
| Median age | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% |
| Median home value (ACS) | $183,700 |
| Median gross rent | $1,054/mo |
| Avg household size | 2.36 |
Cost of living
Regional Price Parity: 91.701 (U.S. average = 100). Rents 84.585, goods 93.73, services 84.741. Source: BEA, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) MSA (2024).
Climate (NOAA 1991–2020 normals)
Annual avg temp
51°F
January low
14°F
July high
86°F
Annual snow
36.5"
Annual precipitation 36.6". Station: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US (3.5 mi away).
Housing (Zillow, 2026-03)
Typical home value (ZHVI)
$208,166
ZHVI YoY
+0.8%
Typical rent (ZORI)
$1,143/mo
ZORI YoY
+2.6%
Data provided by Zillow.
Jobs in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Total employment (MSA)
383,190
Median wage (annual)
$49,550
Top occupations by employment
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 48,550 | $46,670 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 35,680 | $36,420 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 34,890 | $78,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,360 | $45,430 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 30,210 | $30,100 |
Source: BLS OEWS.
Closest destinations
Cedar Rapids, IA 117 mi · 2h 25m Omaha, NE 144 mi · 2h 44m Kansas City, MO 190 mi · 3h 35m Lincoln, NE 190 mi · 3h 34m Independence, MO 190 mi · 3h 44m Kansas City, KS 198 mi · 3h 51m Lee's Summit, MO 204 mi · 3h 56m Rochester, MN 210 mi · 3h 56m Overland Park, KS 212 mi · 4h 4m Olathe, KS 213 mi · 4h 6m