Is Des Moines Safe, Pros and cons of living in Des Moines
Des Moines, Iowa, offers a blend of Midwestern charm and growing urban amenities, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a new place to call home. The state capital boasts a vibrant downtown, a burgeoning culinary scene, and a strong sense of community. As with any major city, potential residents often weigh various factors before making a move, including safety, affordability, and quality of life.
This guide delves into the key aspects of living in Des Moines, providing insights into its safety, economic landscape, cost of living, climate, educational opportunities, and demographic makeup. Understanding these elements can help prospective residents make an informed decision about whether Des Moines is the right fit for their lifestyle and needs.
Is it Safe to Live in Des Moines?
The safety of a city is a paramount concern for any potential resident. Des Moines’s crime rates, while varied by neighborhood, present a complex picture. The city experiences a crime rate of 38 per one thousand residents, which is considered high when compared to communities of all sizes across the nation (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This means your chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Des Moines is approximately one in 27 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Within Iowa, Des Moines has a significantly higher crime rate than most other communities, with over 99% of Iowa communities having a lower crime rate (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). When compared to cities of similar population size, Des Moines’s overall crime rate, encompassing both violent and property crimes, is notably higher than the average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, the violent crime rate in Des Moines is among the highest in the nation, with a one in 145 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime is also a concern, with a one in 33 chance of becoming a victim, and Des Moines has one of the nation’s highest rates of motor vehicle theft (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Economic Landscape and Job Market
Des Moines presents a robust and diverse economy, with a strong presence in key sectors that drive growth and employment. The metropolitan area is a hub for insurance and financial services, advanced manufacturing, ag innovation, logistics, and technology. These industries are supported by a network of major employers, including Hy-Vee, Inc., Casey’s General Stores, Inc., Wells Fargo & Co., MercyOne, and Principal Financial Group® (as reported by The Partnership). Other significant employers include UnityPoint Health, Amazon, John Deere, and Nationwide (as reported by The Partnership).
The unemployment rate in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, area was 3.70% recently, which is slightly higher than the previous month but lower than the previous year (as reported by YCharts). This indicates a stable job market with opportunities for those seeking employment. The average hourly wage in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, Metropolitan Statistical Area was $31.09 in May 2024, which is slightly lower than the nationwide average of $32.66 (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Higher-paying occupational groups include management, legal, and computer and mathematical fields (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Major Industries
The insurance and financial services sector is a cornerstone of Des Moines’s economy, with companies like Wells Fargo and Principal Financial Group® employing thousands (as reported by The Partnership). Advanced manufacturing and ag innovation are also significant, reflecting Iowa’s strong agricultural roots and its embrace of modern technology. Logistics and technology are rapidly growing sectors, capitalizing on Des Moines’s central location and skilled workforce.
Amazon and John Deere are notable players in the logistics and manufacturing sectors, respectively (as reported by The Partnership). The presence of these diverse industries ensures a broad range of job opportunities across various skill levels and professional fields within the Des Moines metropolitan area.
Cost of Living and Housing Market
Des Moines offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living in Des Moines, IA, is 16.9% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). This affordability extends to housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
The housing market in Des Moines is characterized by a median home price that is significantly lower than the national average. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Des Moines was $207,000, which is 53% lower than the national average (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Des Moines sell after an average of 46 days on the market (as reported by Redfin). The median rent for an apartment in Des Moines is approximately $1,011 per month (as reported by Apartments.com), which is 38% lower than the national average rent (as reported by Apartments.com).
Housing Costs
For those looking to rent, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Des Moines is around $1,011 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages about $1,115 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). These figures are considerably lower than many other major metropolitan areas, contributing to Des Moines’s overall affordability.
When considering homeownership, the median home price of $207,000 (as reported by Redfin) provides a more accessible entry point compared to national trends. The median sale price per square foot is $194, showing a slight increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The housing market is described as somewhat competitive, with homes receiving an average of one offer and selling relatively quickly (as reported by Redfin).
Climate and Environment
Des Moines experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by distinct seasons. Winters are typically cold with below-freezing temperatures, while summers are hot and humid (as reported by the Des Moines Area MPO). Precipitation occurs throughout the year, with average monthly precipitation levels varying seasonally (as reported by NOAA Climate Normals 1991-2020).
Average temperatures in Des Moines can fluctuate significantly between seasons. For example, the average temperature in March can be around 46.6°F, while summer months bring warmer conditions. The city receives a substantial amount of precipitation annually, with an average of 36.55 inches (as reported by NOAA Climate Normals 1991-2020).
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Winters in Des Moines often bring snow and freezing temperatures, with average January temperatures being quite low. Spring and fall offer milder weather, with pleasant temperatures suitable for outdoor activities. Summers are warm to hot, with average high temperatures that can be quite high, accompanied by humidity.
The city’s climate is influenced by its Midwestern location, experiencing the full range of seasonal weather. Projections suggest a potential shift towards warmer and more humid summers and milder winters by the year 2100, aligning more with a humid subtropical climate (as reported by the Des Moines Area MPO).
Education and School System
Des Moines is served by the Des Moines Independent Community School District, which is one of the most diverse school districts in Iowa (as reported by Niche). The district serves a large student population with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 (as reported by Niche).
State test scores indicate that 40% of students are proficient in math and 49% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). While the district has received an overall C grade from Niche, it is recognized for its diversity, ranking third among 302 school districts in Iowa (as reported by Niche). The district also offers various programs, including AP and gifted programs, and has received a B+ grade for sports (as reported by Niche).
School District Performance
The Des Moines Independent Community School District has faced challenges, with some schools identified as needing comprehensive support due to low performance (as reported by YouTube). However, the state’s data also shows progress, with some schools previously identified as needing support being removed from the list (as reported by YouTube). The district is actively working to improve its performance, aiming for all its schools to no longer have such a designation (as reported by YouTube).
For higher education, the Des Moines area is home to several institutions, including Drake University, Grand View University, and Des Moines Area Community College, offering a range of academic programs and opportunities for residents (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Community
Des Moines is a diverse city with a population that reflects a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds. As of the latest Census data, the population is approximately 61.0% White, 16.3% Hispanic, 11.1% Black, and 6.6% Asian, with smaller percentages identifying as Multiracial or Native American/Other (as reported by US Census Bureau). This demographic makeup is considerably more diverse than Iowa as a whole (as reported by US Census Bureau).
The median age in Des Moines is 34.6 years (as reported by World Population Review). The city’s population has seen a slight decrease of -0.47% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 213,769 in 2020 (as reported by World Population Review). The median household income is $65,932, with a poverty rate of 14.95% (as reported by World Population Review).
Population Diversity
The share of Hispanic residents in Des Moines is higher than the state average, and their population has grown since the last census (as reported by US Census Bureau). The city’s White population has remained relatively stable, but its share of the total population is lower than in Iowa overall (as reported by US Census Bureau). Des Moines is recognized for its diversity, ranking highly among school districts for this characteristic (as reported by Niche).
The community in Des Moines is known for its Midwestern hospitality and a growing array of cultural attractions and events. The city offers a good balance of urban amenities and a more relaxed pace of life, appealing to a wide range of residents.