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

Total population
212,421
-0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,932/yr
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
97,604
0.1% year-over-year change

Des Moines population

How many people live in Des Moines

Des Moines is home to 212,421 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50% of Des Moines locals are male, and 50% are female.

Total population
212,421
-0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50%
106,234
Female
50%
106,187
Value Percent YoY change
Male 106,234 50% 1.1%
Female 106,187 50% -1.1%
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 is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.1% are children under 15, then 14.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.1% of the population, while another 23.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.1%
15 to 24
14.9%
25 to 44
30.1%
45 to 64
23.2%
Over 65
12.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 40,566 19.1% -0.1%
15 to 24 31,655 14.9% 2.0%
25 to 44 63,872 30.1% 0.2%
45 to 64 49,283 23.2% -2.4%
Over 65 27,045 12.7% 1.5%
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, 84.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 64.1% of locals are Caucasian, 11.3% are African American and 6.6% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 6.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 11% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.5%
Non-citizens
7.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 180,103 84.8% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 15,881 7.5% 10.4%
Non-citizens 16,437 7.7% -3.3%
Racial breakdown
White
64.1%
Black or African American
11.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
6.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
11%
Other
6.4%
Value Percent
White 136,202 64.1%
Black or African American 23,970 11.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,089 0.5%
Asian 14,105 6.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 238 0.1%
Two or more races 23,333 11%
Other 13,484 6.4%

Households in Des Moines

A peek inside Des Moines households

Des Moines has 90,105 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.3% are families, while the remaining 46.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
90,105
0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
42,069
Family households
48,036
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 42,069 46.7% 0.6%
Family households 48,036 53.3% -0.5%
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

The housing landscape of Des Moines

Des Moines's housing consists of 97,604 units, with 61.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4% 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 2.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
97,604
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 60,158 61.6%
1 unit, attached 3,889 4%
2 units 2,389 2.4%
3 or 4 units 2,695 2.8%
5 to 9 units 2,872 2.9%
10 to 19 units 4,609 4.7%
20 to 49 units 10,421 10.7%
50 or more units 7,942 8.1%
Mobile home 2,500 2.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 129 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
922
62.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Des Moines

In Des Moines, the median construction year is 1961. About 26.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 26,067 26.7% -3.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 7,250 7.4% 1.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 14,483 14.8% 1.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 9,274 9.5% 0.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 11,585 11.9% -7.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 6,200 6.4% -0.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 6,521 6.7% -1.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 7,227 7.4% 1.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 8,075 8.3% 19.8%
Built in 2020 or later 922 0.9% 62.3%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 90,105 occupied housing units in Des Moines, 60.5% are owner-occupied, while 39.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
90,105
0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
35,599
Owner occupied
54,506
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 35,599 39.5% -0.1%
Owner occupied 54,506 60.5% 0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
7.7%
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Des Moines come to a median of $1,157 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,090.

Median housing costs per month
$1,157/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
$1,090/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

Des Moines education at a glance

About 35.8% of the population in Des Moines went to high school, while 20.8% pursued college studies. Another 9% earned an associate degree and 19.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 10,482 6.4% 7.2%
High school diploma 58,493 35.8% -2.5%
College diploma 33,995 20.8% -3.4%
Associate degree 14,631 9% 4.6%
Bachelor's degree 32,400 19.8% 2.2%
Graduate degree 13,191 8.1% 1.8%
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

How much people earn in Des Moines

The average annual household income in Des Moines was $86,645 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,932, reflecting a +3.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Des Moines
$86,645/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Des Moines
$65,932/year
3.1% year-over-year change

Des Moines income by age

In Des Moines, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $71,524. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $77,713 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $47,432, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $48,181 in earnings. Overall, 85.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $47,432 2.5%
25 - 44 $71,524 0.3%
45 - 64 $77,713 2.1%
Over 65 $48,181 4.4%
Above poverty level
174,566
Below poverty level
30,486
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 174,566 85.1% -0.2%
Below poverty level 30,486 14.9% 0.2%

Average renter income in Des Moines

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Des Moines, their median household income was $42,047 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$42,047
Rent-to-income ratio
31.1%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Des Moines

Workforce and job types in Des Moines

The job market in Des Moines is powered by 113,468 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.6% run their own businesses, 73% are employed by private companies, and 10.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
113,468
0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
84,696
Blue collar
28,772
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 84,696 74.6% 0.4%
Blue collar 28,772 25.4% 1.6%
Employer type
Self employees
6.6%
Private companies
73%
Governmental workers
10.9%
Not for profit companies
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7,451 6.6% -4.3%
Private companies 82,838 73% 0.3%
Governmental workers 12,376 10.9% 6.4%
Not for profit companies 10,803 9.5% 1.5%
Unemployment rate
5.6%
-1.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Des Moines stands at 5.6%, 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

How people get around in Des Moines

Commuting methods vary: 81.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.4% 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 91,095 81.9% -0.9%
Taxicab 447 0.4% 53.6%
Bus or trolleybus 927 0.8% -23.6%
Ferryboat 1 0% -92.9%
Motorcycle 36 0% -50.0%
Bicycle 415 0.4% -4.6%
Walk 2,627 2.4% 6.1%
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50309 10,110 7,154 $56,777 $79,702
50310 31,177 13,428 $76,381 $89,313
50311 14,574 6,366 $61,957 $79,339
50312 15,802 7,584 $92,242 $138,184
50313 17,440 6,859 $68,361 $78,442
50314 10,438 4,159 $39,950 $58,998
50315 34,816 15,158 $60,590 $75,870
50316 16,710 5,636 $56,090 $72,409
50317 36,548 14,229 $65,617 $77,735

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FAQs about Des Moines demographics 

What is the total population of Des Moines?

Des Moines has a total population of 212,421 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 -0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Des Moines?

The gender ratio in Des Moines is as follows:
  • 50% males (106,234 residents)
  • 50% females (106,187 residents)

What is the median age in Des Moines?

The median age in Des Moines is 34.6.

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

The age distribution in Des Moines is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.1% (40,566 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.9% (31,655 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.1% (63,872 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.2% (49,283 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.7% (27,045 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Des Moines?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Des Moines is as follows:
  • White: 64.1% (136,202 residents)
  • Black or African American: 11.3% (23,970 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (1,089 residents)
  • Asian: 6.6% (14,105 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (238 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11% (23,333 residents)
  • Other: 6.4% (13,484 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.8% of the population in Des Moines.

How many housing units are there in Des Moines?

There are 97,604 housing units in Des Moines, 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 and what is the average household size?

Des Moines has a total of 90,105 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Des Moines?

Des Moines has a median household income of $65,932, representing a +3.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.4% in Des Moines, with a workforce of 113,468 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.6% (84,696 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.4% (28,772 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.6% (7,451 residents)
  • Private companies: 73% (82,838 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.9% (12,376 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.5% (10,803 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