Des Moines County, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
38,487
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,928/yr
3.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
18,802
0.1% year-over-year change

Des Moines County population

How many people live in Des Moines County

Des Moines County is home to 38,487 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Des Moines County locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
38,487
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
19,074
Female
50.4%
19,413
Value Percent YoY change
Male 19,074 49.6% 0.2%
Female 19,413 50.4% -0.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Des Moines County is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.1% are children under 15, then 11.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.9% of the population, while another 25.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.1%
15 to 24
11.7%
25 to 44
23.9%
45 to 64
25.1%
Over 65
21.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,949 18.1% 1.8%
15 to 24 4,500 11.7% -6.5%
25 to 44 9,198 23.9% 1.7%
45 to 64 9,660 25.1% -1.1%
Over 65 8,180 21.2% 0.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Des Moines County, 96.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 85.5% of locals are Caucasian, 4.8% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.6%
Non-citizens
1.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 37,273 96.8% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 624 1.6% 11.6%
Non-citizens 590 1.5% -6.5%
Racial breakdown
White
85.5%
Black or African American
4.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.7%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 32,890 85.5%
Black or African American 1,830 4.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 126 0.3%
Asian 464 1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1 0%
Two or more races 2,951 7.7%
Other 225 0.6%

Households in Des Moines County

A peek inside Des Moines County households

Des Moines County has 17,178 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.4% are families, while the remaining 39.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
17,178
-0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
6,803
Family households
10,375
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,803 39.6% -1.5%
Family households 10,375 60.4% 0.9%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Des Moines County

The housing landscape of Des Moines County

Des Moines County's housing consists of 18,802 units, with 78.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
18,802
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 14,801 78.7%
1 unit, attached 419 2.2%
2 units 288 1.5%
3 or 4 units 985 5.2%
5 to 9 units 444 2.4%
10 to 19 units 424 2.3%
20 to 49 units 210 1.1%
50 or more units 381 2%
Mobile home 850 4.5%
Homes built since 2020
84
18.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Des Moines County

In Des Moines County, the median construction year is 1959. About 33% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6,197 33% -3.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,317 7% 10.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,133 11.3% -6.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,114 11.2% 6.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,416 12.8% 7.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 952 5.1% -7.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,597 8.5% -0.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,035 5.5% 1.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 957 5.1% -0.3%
Built in 2020 or later 84 0.4% 18.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Des Moines County occupancy rates

Out of the 17,178 occupied housing units in Des Moines County, 74.6% are owner-occupied, while 25.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
17,178
-0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,355
Owner occupied
12,823
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,355 25.4% -7.2%
Owner occupied 12,823 74.6% 2.6%
Unoccupied housing units
8.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Des Moines County housing costs

Housing costs in Des Moines County come to a median of $892 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $904.

Median housing costs per month
$892/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Des Moines County
$904/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Des Moines County

Des Moines County education at a glance

About 41.7% of the population in Des Moines County went to high school, while 21.4% pursued college studies. Another 13.7% earned an associate degree and 15.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 382 1.3% -8.6%
High school diploma 12,474 41.7% -3.3%
College diploma 6,409 21.4% 0.5%
Associate degree 4,096 13.7% 6.4%
Bachelor's degree 4,508 15.1% 1.6%
Graduate degree 2,058 6.9% -5.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Des Moines County

How much people earn in Des Moines County

The average annual household income in Des Moines County was $80,523 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $62,928, reflecting a +3.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Des Moines County
$80,523/year
-1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Des Moines County
$62,928/year
3.7% year-over-year change

Des Moines County income by age

In Des Moines County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $77,319. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $78,174 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $31,079, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,970 in earnings. Overall, 87.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $31,079 -1.3%
25 - 44 $77,319 6.0%
45 - 64 $78,174 3.2%
Over 65 $44,970 0.5%
Above poverty level
32,758
Below poverty level
4,772
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 32,758 87.3% 1.4%
Below poverty level 4,772 12.7% -7.9%

Employment in Des Moines County

Workforce and job types in Des Moines County

The job market in Des Moines County is powered by 18,572 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 70.6% are employed by private companies, and 12.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
18,572
-0.4% year-over-year change
White collar
13,225
Blue collar
5,347
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 13,225 71.2% 0.2%
Blue collar 5,347 28.8% -2.0%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
70.6%
Governmental workers
12.9%
Not for profit companies
8.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,452 7.8% -6.1%
Private companies 13,102 70.6% 0.9%
Governmental workers 2,398 12.9% -2.4%
Not for profit companies 1,620 8.7% -2.8%
Unemployment rate
3.1%
-2.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Des Moines County stands at 3.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Des Moines County

How people get around in Des Moines County

Commuting methods vary: 92.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 16,844 92.2% 0.5%
Taxicab 80 0.4% -43.3%
Bus or trolleybus 164 0.9% 36.7%
Bicycle 66 0.4% 127.6%
Walk 285 1.6% -12.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Des Moines County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
52644 394 158 $77,955 $88,418
52645 3,503 1,344 $79,327 $82,535
52646 255 116 $62,500 $77,112
52650 799 346 $105,255 $105,733
52655 4,322 1,858 $52,500 $66,886
52601 27,341 12,703 $60,983 $78,411
52623 1,982 758 $90,714 $119,577
52637 3,041 1,069 $81,477 $96,146
52638 508 188 $59,167 $72,573
52640 1,274 512 $67,813 $89,152

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Des Moines County demographics 

What is the total population of Des Moines County?

Des Moines County has a total population of 38,487 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Des Moines County?

The gender ratio in Des Moines County is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (19,074 residents)
  • 50.4% females (19,413 residents)

What is the median age in Des Moines County?

The median age in Des Moines County is 42.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Des Moines County?

The age distribution in Des Moines County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.1% (6,949 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.7% (4,500 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.9% (9,198 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.1% (9,660 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.2% (8,180 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Des Moines County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Des Moines County is as follows:
  • White: 85.5% (32,890 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.8% (1,830 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (126 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (464 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (1 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.7% (2,951 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (225 residents)

What percentage of the population in Des Moines County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.8% of the population in Des Moines County.

How many housing units are there in Des Moines County?

There are 18,802 housing units in Des Moines County, reflecting a +0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Des Moines County and what is the average household size?

Des Moines County has a total of 17,178 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Des Moines County?

Des Moines County has a median household income of $62,928, representing a +3.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Des Moines County?

The employment rate is 96.9% in Des Moines County, with a workforce of 18,572 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.2% (13,225 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.8% (5,347 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (1,452 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.6% (13,102 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.9% (2,398 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.7% (1,620 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025