LOCAL FOOD · YOUTUBE SHORT
5 Top Food Spots in Des Moines, IA.
A local food Short shared by Positive Outlook.
Watch on YouTube ↗
Relocation guide
Moving to Des Moines
What it costs, what the weather is like, schools, outdoors and the honest pros and cons, from public data.
Population
212,464
Median age 34.6
Median household income
$63,966
Median rent
$1,054/mo
Median home value
$183,700
Schools
68
3 districts
Summer high / winter low
86° / 14°
Pros
- Homes cost 39% less than the US median ($183,700).
- Rent takes only about 20% of the median household income.
- Mild weather in May, August, September, with highs between 65°F and 85°F.
- 97 parks, playgrounds and dog parks in the city.
- 40 national forests, lakes and recreation areas within reach.
Cons
- Household incomes are 19% below the US median ($63,966).
- Property taxes are high: about 1.88% of home value a year (US 0.98%).
- Cold winters: January lows average 14°F.
Pros and cons come from comparisons with US medians and the city’s 30-year weather normals; they leave out things numbers can’t capture.
Plan your move
Where in Des Moines?
Des Moines spans 11 zip codes. Median home values range from $137,300 to $294,100 by zip.
Compare zip codesLife in Des Moines
See Des Moines
LOCAL FOOD · YOUTUBE SHORT
EVERYTHING I ATE AT DES MOINES, IOWA
A local food Short shared by Ayesha Arobee.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
Is Des Moines a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. Homes cost 39% less than the US median ($183,700). Rent takes only about 20% of the median household income. On the other hand: Household incomes are 19% below the US median ($63,966). Property taxes are high: about 1.88% of home value a year (US 0.98%).
How much do I need to earn to live in Des Moines?
The median household earns $63,966. Rent at the median ($1,054/month) is about 20% of that; a common rule of thumb is to keep rent under 30% of income, which means earning about $42,160 a year.
How many schools are in Des Moines?
68 public and private schools across 3 districts. See the schools page for each school’s grades and contact details.
What is the weather like in Des Moines?
Highs average 86°F in July and lows 14°F in January. The most comfortable months are May, August, September.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023 5-year estimates; NOAA climate normals; NCES schools; OpenStreetMap parks; Recreation.gov.