Moving to Des Moines IA in 2023? Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Des Moines, IA.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Des Moines, IA.

Should you move to Des Moines Iowa?

For many years, Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa has been attracting people from all over the United States and beyond.

Des Moines' affordable homes, entertainment options, booming job market, and cost of living make it one of the best cities for millennials across the United States.

If you’re considering moving to Des Moines and Wondering if the city is right for you, this guide contains all you need to know to make the right decision.

Read on to find out if moving to Des Moines is right for you.

facts of Des Moines

Quick facts to know before moving to Des Moines Iowa

  • Des Moines IA is a city of millennials
  • Des Moines IA averages 204 sunny days per year
  • Des Moines IA gets 36 inches of rain on average per year
  • Des Moines IA winter low in January is 13 degrees
  • The cost of living in Des Moines IA is lower than the U.S. average
  • Over the past year, Des Moines IA jobs have grown by 2.7%
  • Des Moines IA future job growth is predicted to hit 37.42%

Is Des Moines Iowa a good place to move to?

Des Moines is a fantastic place to live. It's a city that feels small but isn't overly large. It is easily accessible by bike, has many lovely nature paths, a diverse population, diverse cuisine options, and is typically a very friendly place.

Is Des Moines a good city to live in?

Des Moines is one of the best places to live in the United States because of all of these amenities, as well as good salaries and a reasonable cost of living. Friendly communities and quick commutes are further advantages.

Why are people moving to Des Moines Iowa?

Because property is so affordable, Des Moines is routinely listed as one of the best towns for millennials, particularly young homeowners. Iowa currently has the lowest unemployment rate in the US at 2.5%. Generally, the cost of living in Des Moines, Iowa, is quite low.

Does Des Moines get a lot of snow?

Most snowfall days in Des Moines leave only a skiff, or less than an inch, of new snow on the ground. On average, at least an inch of new snow falls every 11 days of the year. Snowfalls of more than five inches per day are common once or twice a year.

Can I live in Des Moines without a car?

Des Moines and its neighboring suburbs are huge, but getting about without a car is not hard. The Des Moines Area Regional Transportation Authority (DART) operates 90 buses that travel 15,000 miles per day to and from residential neighborhoods, major shopping malls, schools, and business sites.

Does Des Moines get cold?

From November 28 to March 1, the cold season lasts 3.1 months, with an average daily high temperature of less than 43°F. January is the coldest month in Des Moines, with an average low of 17°F and high of 33°F.

What is Des Moines known for?

Des Moines is a major insurance sector center in the United States, as well as a significant financial services and publishing company base. The city was regarded as the "number one spot for U.S. insurance companies" in a Business Wire story and designated the third largest "insurance capital" of the globe.

Is it safe to live in Des Moines IA?

Des Moines, like all cities in the United States, has higher crime rates than the national average. There are more reports of violent crime, property crime, and petty crime, making it riskier to reside within the municipal limits.

What’s the population of Des Moines IA?

Des Moines’s population is 217,343 people. The city stretches across 91 square miles making it the largest city in Iowa. Des Moines is nestled in Polk County Iowa and the city is the county seat of Polk County.

  • Des Moines has a population density of 2,465 people per square mile
  • The median age in Des Moines is 34 years
  • 33.4 years is the median age for males and 34.4 years for females
  • Des Moines is currently growing at a rate of 0.49% annually
  • Des Moines population has grown by 1.5% since the last census

How fast can you commute in Des Moines Iowa?

Des Moines’s average one-way commute time takes 18.8 minutes. That’s lower than the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes. You’ll spend less than 30 minutes commuting to work if you move to Des Moines Iowa. Less time on the road means less stress and having more time for other things

Here’s how people in Des Moines Iowa get to work:

  • About 80.6% of Des Moines residents drive their own car alone
  • Around 9.8% of Des Moines residents carpool with others
  • Up to 3.1% of Des Moines residents work from home
  • About 2.2% of Des Moines residents take mass transit

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How is the weather like in Des Moines Iowa?

Des Moines averages 204 sunny days per year. The United States average is 205 sunny days. If the weather is one of the key things you’d like to consider before moving to Des Moines, the following is a quick snapshot of the city’s weather:

  • Des Moines’s summer high in July is around 86 degrees
  • Des Moines gets 36 inches of rain on average per year. The U.S. average is 38 inches
  • On average, Des Moines gets 33 inches of snow per year. U.S. average is 28 inches
  • Des Moines’s winter low in January is 13 degrees
  • Des Moines Iowa gets 108 days of precipitation every year
moving to Davenport

Top 10 reasons to move to Des Moines Iowa

People are moving to Des Moines for many reasons. As one of the largest cities in Iowa, Des Moines is constantly attracting people from all over the state and beyond.

Since you’re considering moving to Des Moines, the following are the key reasons people are moving to the city:

  • Low cost of living
  • Friendly residents
  • Wind energy
  • Job opportunities
  • Low traffic
  • Amazing nightlife
  • Quality educational opportunities
  • Minimal effects of urbanization
  • Low crime rates
  • Experience all four seasons in Des Moines
Davenport pros and cons

Pros & cons of moving to Des Moines Iowa

If you’d like to find out if moving to Des Moines Iowa is right for you or not, we’ve made a list of the pros and cons of living in the city.

This can make it easier for you to figure out if moving to Des Moines is right for you or not.

Pros of living in Des Moines IA Cons of living in Des Moines IA
Housing costs below the national averagePoor public transportation
Low average commute timeCold winters
Tons of outdoor adventuresDesirability is low among non-Iowa residents
Low Cost of LivingLow school ratings
Robust job marketToo expensive
Pretty safeNot much to do
Good air quality on averageVery damp now
Very easy to do businessDifficult to make friends
High quality of education
Great hospitals
Family friendly
Very friendly to LGBTQ+
place to live Davenport

Best places to live in Des Moines Iowa

Des Moines is home to several beautiful livable neighborhoods. Moving to Des Moines gives you the perfect chance to live in any of these neighborhoods.

If you’re moving to Des Moines and wondering what neighborhood the best for you is, the following is a list of the ten best neighborhoods in Des Moines Iowa:

Rank Neighborhood Population Home Value Median Income
1Ingersoll Park798$179,500$77,941
2Waterbury2,740$245,600$99,524
3Salisbury Oaks1,088$309,950$96,038
4Greenwood1,009$272,200$73,566
5Linden Heights400$302,700$89,659
6Lower Beaver5,761$149,100$60,141
7Meredith4,605$139,617$65,724
8Beaverdale8,370$146,292$66,139
9Westwood1,262$302,700$89,659
10Bloomfield-Allen6,844$142,150$62,930

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cost of living in Davenport

Cost of living in Des Moines Iowa

Affordable living in a big city is one of the key perks of moving to Des Moines, Iowa. The cost of living in Des Moines is 78.7. The United States average is 100.

Des Moines’s average cost of living is below the national average. The following are the key components that make up Des Moines’s cost of living:

Living Expense Des Moines Iowa National Average
Overall78.780.1100
Grocery9694.4100
Health102.4108.2100
Housing57.855.4100
Services9496100
Utilities89.698.5100
Transportation74.771.4100
Miscellaneous112.296.3100

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Des Moines’s housing market

If you’re interested in buying a home after moving to Des Moines, we have the key information you need to know about the city’s housing market. This will make it easier for you to make up your mind about buying a home or not if you’re moving to Des Moines, Iowa:

  • Des Moines median home cost is $175,700
  • Over the last ten years, home values in Des Moines have risen by 70.9%
  • Currently, Des Moines home values have appreciated by 11.1%
  • Around 30.5% of Des Moines residents are renters
  • Up to 2.3% of homes and apartments in Des Moines are open to rent

What’s the average home rental price in Des Moines?

Des Moines’s rental market is known for its affordable homes. If you’re considering renting a home or an apartment after moving to Des Moines, look at the average rental prices below:

  • Des Moines average rent for a studio apartment is $750
  • Des Moines average rent for a 1-bedroom home or apartment is $850
  • Des Moines average rent for a 2-bedroom home or apartment is $1,020
  • Des Moines average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $1,400
  • The average rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is 1,430
jobs in Davenport

How is the job market in Des Moines, Iowa?

How fast can you get a job if you need one in Des Moines? The COVID-19 pandemic has affected several job markets across the United States and Des Moines wasn’t left out.

Since you’re considering moving to Des Moines, here’s a breakdown of the city’s job market:

  • Des Moines unemployment rate is 5.9%. The U.S. average is 6.0%
  • Des Moines job growth has been positive so far
  • Over the past year, Des Moines jobs have grown by 2.7%
  • Des Moines future job growth is predicted to hit 37.42%
  • Getting a job in Des Moines is easier compared to other similar sized cities in the state
Employment Information Des Moines, Iowa United States
The income per Cap$26,494$31,177
Household Income$49,999$57,652
Unemployment Rate5.96.0%
Recent Job Growth-5.95%-6.18%
Future Job Growth37.42%33.51%

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What are the top career options in Des Moines?

You’ll find lots of jobs to choose from if you’re moving to Des Moines. Which ones should you opt for? You may be interested in some of the city’s highest-paying jobs. The following is the list of the highest-paying jobs in Des Moines.

Rank Job Title Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
1Interventional Cardiologist$375,448$31,287$7,220$180.50
2Emergency Medicine Physician$351,669$29,305$6,762$169.07
3Anesthesiologist$348,194$29,016$6,696$167.40
4Vascular Surgeon$324,297$27,024$6,236$155.91
5Gynecologic Oncologist$318,271$26,522$6,120$153.02
6Neurohospitalist$305,908$25,492$5,882$147.07
7Radiologist$300,278$25,023$5,774$144.36
8Gastroenterology Physician$296,297$24,691$5,698$142.45
9Pain Management Physician$294,313$24,526$5,659$141.50
10Dermatologist$290,691$24,224$5,590$139.76

What is a good salary in Des Moines Iowa?

Moving to Des Moines Iowa could mean getting a new job. But how many bucks can you earn in the city? Will you be earning more money or less compared to where you are right now? Let’s find out:

  • Des Moines average annual pay for average jobs is $67,685
  • Des Moines average hourly pay is $32.54 per hour
  • Des Moines average weekly pay is $1,301 per week
  • Des Moines' average monthly payment is $5,640 per month
  • Iowa’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour

Top Industries in Des Moines, Iowa

Like several other large cities, Des Moines’s economy is powered by several industries. The best part is that whether you work in a small or large industry, you’ll most likely find a suitable spot for your job in Des Moines. The following is a list of the city’s largest industries since you’re considering moving to Des Moines, Iowa:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Ag Innovation
  • Data Centers
  • Insurance And Financial Services
  • Logistics
  • Technology
  • Construction And Mining
  • Manufacturing
  • Trade, Transportation And Utilities
  • Information
  • Financial Activities
  • Professional And Business Services
  • Educational And Health Services
  • Leisure And Hospitality
  • Government
taxes in Davenport

Iowa taxes

If you’re moving to Des Moines from out of state, you may have to get familiar with Des Moines taxes.

You may end up paying more or less in taxes, depending on where you’re moving from. The following are the key components that make up the city’s taxes. This will give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to Des Moines, Iowa:

  • Iowa income tax is 0.33% - 8.53%
  • Sales tax in Iowa is 6% - 7%
  • Iowa property tax has 1.53% average effective rates
  • The gas tax in Iowa is 30.5 cents per gallon of regular gasoline
  • Gas tax per gallon of regular diesel is 32.5 cents
Davenport Things to do

Best things to do in Des Moines Iowa

There are lots of exciting things you can do in Des Moines. The city is home to several attractions, and you’ll find lots of amazing things to do in Des Moines.

If you’re moving to Des Moines, we’ve made a list of the various things you can do and places to visit and explore. Look at the list:

  • Sample Farm-Fresh Eats at the Downtown Farmers’ Market
  • Take a Tour of the Historic Iowa State Capitol Building
  • Check Out the Massive Sculptures in the Pappajohn Sculpture Park
  • Peruse Art at the Des Moines Art Center
  • Cheer On the Iowa Cubs at Principal Park
  • Take a Break at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
  • Have a Fun-Filled Day at the Iowa State Fair
  • Take a Hike on High Trestle Trail
  • Spend a Day in Historic East Village
  • Learn About Iowa’s Agricultural History at the Living History Farms
  • Go Brewery Hopping
  • Indulge Your Inner Horror Fan at Zombie Burger
  • Get Outside in Gray’s Lake Park
  • Marvel at the Animals at Blank Park Zoo
  • Sip and Swirl at Jasper Winery

What is the crime rate in Des Moines Iowa?

Is Des Moines a safe city for you and your loved ones? Like several other large cities in the United States, Des Moines has its fair share of crime problems. The following are key stats about the city’s crime rates since you’re considering moving to Des Moines Iowa:

  • The violent crime rate in Des Moines Iowa is 37.1. The national average is 22.7
  • The property crime rate in Des Moines Iowa is 60.8. The national average is 35.4
  • Residents have a 1 in 141.9 chance of being the victim o f a violent crime
  • Residents have a 1 in 25.6 chance of being the victim of a property crime

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Statistic Count Raw Des Moines/ 100k People Iowa/ 100k People National/ 100k People
Total Crimes Per 100K9,9174,606.32,001.72,346.0
Violent Crime1,517704.6303.5387.8
Murder3315.33.56.5
Robbery246114.329.873.9
Aggravated Assault1,119519.8229.4279.7
Property Crime8,4003,901.71,698.21,958.2
Burglary1,925894.1371.1314.2
Larceny5,0532,347.11,130.11,398.0
Car Theft1,422660.5197.1246.0
schools in Davenport

Best Schools & Universities in Des Moines Iowa

Des Moines is home to several top-quality schools. If you’re moving to Des Moines, you’ll have easier access to several excellent schools from universities and colleges to elementary, middle, and high schools.

The following is a list of the best schools in the city if you’re moving to Des Moines:

Best elementary schools in Des Moines, IA

  • Cowles Elementary School
    Public, PK-8 | 393 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Downtown School
    Public, K-6 | 265 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Hanawalt Elementary School
    Public, K-5 | 359 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Jefferson Elementary School
    Public, K-5 | 393 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Delaware Elementary School
    Public, PK-5 | 427 students, Rating: 7/10

Best middle schools in Des Moines, IA

  • Cowles Elementary School
    Public, PK-8 | 393 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Merrill Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 760 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Rody Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 770 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Meredith Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 829 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Weeks Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 775 students, Rating: 7/10

Best high schools in Des Moines, IA

  • Saydel High School
    Public, 9-12 | 409 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Roosevelt High School
    Public, 9-12 | 2,014 students, Rating: 7/10

  • East High School
    Public, 9-12 | 2,198 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Hoover High School
    Public, 9-12 | 1,074 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Lincoln High School, | Public, 9-12 | 2,409 students, Rating: 7/10

Best universities and colleges in Des Moines Iowa

  • Iowa State University

  • DMACC Urban Campus

  • Drake University

  • Aib College of Business

  • Grand View College

  • University of Iowa School of Social Work

  • Simpson College

  • Drake University

  • College of Health Sciences

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