Des Moines

Iowa

Polk County

50309

Des Moines · Overview

212,421Population

Median Income: $65,932
Median Home Value: $194,700
Median Age: 34.6years

Poverty Rate

15.00%

Unemployment

5.60%

College Educated

29.70%

Businesses

Location & Nearby Areas

Nearby Zip Codes

Within 15 miles

View Explorer

Search Interest Over Time

Based on Google Trends data for "Des Moines"

Race & Ethnicity

Income Profile

Median Household Income

$65,932

Mean Household Income

$86,645

Income Distribution

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S1902, S1903, B19013, B19113

Sex Distribution

Male

50.0%

Female

50.0%

Population Split

Male50.0%

Female50.0%

The sex distribution of a population provides insight into the demographic balance of a community. Significant skews in this ratio can be influenced by local industries (e.g., military bases, mining, or tech hubs), educational institutions, or migration patterns. Understanding this balance is essential for planning public health initiatives and social services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Ancestry

German18.9%

Irish12.4%

Mexican11.0%

English9.9%

African4.4%

Italian3.4%

Scottish1.6%

French1.4%

Polish1.1%

Reported ancestry groups representing the cultural heritage of the population. Percentages may not sum to 100% as residents may report multiple ancestries or none.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B04006

Immigration & Nativity

Nativity Status

14.2%Foreign Born

85.8%Native Born

Citizenship Status

Naturalized45.5%

Non-Citizen54.5%

Period of Entry

2010 or Later40.2%

Before 201059.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B05001, B05002

Housing Characteristics

Total Housing Units

97,604

Median Rent

$1,090/mo

Median Home Value

$194,700

Median Year Built

1961

Housing Tenure

Housing Types

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table DP04

Education Enrollment

Total Enrolled

49,287

College Enrollment

19.8%

High School

22.8%

College Educated

29.7%

K-12 Enrollment

Higher Education

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1401, S1501

Transportation & Commute

Mean Commute Time

19.5 min

Drive Alone Rate

70.9%

Public Transit

0.8%

Work From Home

13.1%

Commute Mode

Vehicle Ownership

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0801, B08141

Age Distribution

Under 18

23.2%

18-34 Years

27.6%

35-64 Years

36.5%

65+ Years

12.7%

Population Composition

Under 1823.2%

18-3427.6%

35-6436.5%

65+12.7%

The age distribution of a community impacts local services, school requirements, and the labor market. A higher percentage of youth suggests a need for schools and family services, while a larger senior population may indicate a retirement destination or a need for healthcare services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Household Composition

Married Couples

34.1%

Single Parent

8.6%

Living Alone

37.5%

Avg Size

2.30

Household Types

Married Couples34.1%

Single Parent8.6%

Living Alone37.5%

Household composition offers insights into the social fabric of a community. A high percentage of married couples often correlates with stability and higher household incomes, while a significant number of single-person households may indicate a younger transient population or an aging community.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1101

Economic Profile

Per Capita Income

$37,863

SNAP Usage

15.8%

Health Insurance

92.8%

Household Income Breakdown

Under $25k15.7%

$25k - $50k21.2%

$50k - $100k34.6%

$100k+28.5%

Key Industries

Manufacturing

10.4%

Retail Trade

11.0%

Education & Health Care

20.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S2201, DP03

Health & Disability

Disability Rate

14.3%With Disability

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with a disability.

Health Insurance Coverage

92.8%With Coverage

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with health insurance coverage.

Why this matters: High disability rates may indicate a need for accessible infrastructure and specialized healthcare services. Health insurance coverage is a key indicator of a community's access to preventative care and financial resilience against medical emergencies.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1810, S2701

Technology Access

Broadband Internet

89.8%vs ~90% National Avg

Computer Ownership

96.0%vs ~95% National Avg

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S2801

Cost of Living & Housing

Cost of Living Scale

Lower is better

91.7

0130

Below average< 97

Near average97 - 103

Above average> 103

Prices compared with the US average (100). 105 means about 5% more expensive than average.

Housing Affordability

Higher is better

170.3

0200

Hard to Afford< 80

Moderate80 - 100

Affordable> 100

100 means a family earning the median family income just qualifies to buy the median-value home (20% down, 30-year loan at 6.72%).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities · NAR affordability formula with Census ACS 2020–2024 incomes and home values and the Freddie Mac 30-year rate (2024)

State Comparison

Financial Comparison

Social Indicators

Key Metrics Overview

Median Income

Location$65,932

Statewide$75,059

Home Value

Location$194,700

Statewide$208,000