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

Total population
4,772
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,617/yr
6.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,969
-0.8% year-over-year change

North Des Moines population

How many people live in North Des Moines

North Des Moines is home to 4,772 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52% of North Des Moines locals are male, and 48% are female.

Total population
4,772
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52%
2,484
Female
48%
2,288
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,484 52% 1.8%
Female 2,288 48% -2.9%
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 North Des Moines is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.1% are children under 15, then 12.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.9% of the population, while another 25.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.1%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 44
25.9%
45 to 64
25.2%
Over 65
14.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,056 22.1% -3.8%
15 to 24 581 12.2% -4.9%
25 to 44 1,234 25.9% -1.8%
45 to 64 1,203 25.2% 2.6%
Over 65 698 14.6% 6.6%
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 North Des Moines, 86.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 65.6% of locals are Caucasian, 8.4% are African American and 3.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.2%
Non-citizens
6.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,118 86.3% -1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 346 7.2% 19.3%
Non-citizens 309 6.5% -5.5%
Racial breakdown
White
65.6%
Black or African American
8.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
3.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12.2%
Other
9.5%
Value Percent
White 3,129 65.6%
Black or African American 400 8.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 39 0.8%
Asian 171 3.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1 0%
Two or more races 581 12.2%
Other 452 9.5%

Households in North Des Moines

A peek inside North Des Moines households

North Des Moines has 1,858 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 64.8% are families, while the remaining 35.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,858
-0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
653
Family households
1,205
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 653 35.2% -3.1%
Family households 1,205 64.8% 1.0%
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 North Des Moines

The housing landscape of North Des Moines

North Des Moines's housing consists of 1,969 units, with 79.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.8% 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 1.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,969
-0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,572 79.9%
1 unit, attached 95 4.8%
2 units 24 1.2%
3 or 4 units 41 2.1%
5 to 9 units 15 0.8%
10 to 19 units 31 1.6%
20 to 49 units 118 6%
50 or more units 39 2%
Mobile home 27 1.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 6 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
26
73.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in North Des Moines

In North Des Moines, the median construction year is 1963. About 18.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 357 18.1% -4.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 193 9.8% 2.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 353 17.9% -6.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 252 12.8% 11.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 280 14.2% -13.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 122 6.2% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 76 3.9% -1.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 187 9.5% -6.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 123 6.2% 44.7%
Built in 2020 or later 26 1.3% 73.3%
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.

North Des Moines occupancy rates

Out of the 1,858 occupied housing units in North Des Moines, 72.4% are owner-occupied, while 27.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,858
-0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
512
Owner occupied
1,346
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 512 27.6% -5.7%
Owner occupied 1,346 72.4% 1.7%
Unoccupied housing units
5.6%
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.

North Des Moines housing costs

Housing costs in North Des Moines come to a median of $1,096 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,102.

Median housing costs per month
$1,096/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 North Des Moines
$1,102/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 North Des Moines

North Des Moines education at a glance

About 47.2% of the population in North Des Moines went to high school, while 21.8% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 11.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 247 7.1% 6.0%
High school diploma 1,645 47.2% -6.7%
College diploma 759 21.8% 8.4%
Associate degree 337 9.7% 10.5%
Bachelor's degree 390 11.2% 6.0%
Graduate degree 111 3.2% -3.5%
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 North Des Moines

How much people earn in North Des Moines

The average annual household income in North Des Moines was $77,663 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,617, reflecting a +6.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in North Des Moines
$77,663/year
4.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in North Des Moines
$65,617/year
6.6% year-over-year change

North Des Moines income by age

In North 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 $73,953. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $73,709 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,622, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $42,393 in earnings. Overall, 86.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,622 -8.8%
25 - 44 $73,953 7.1%
45 - 64 $73,709 5.3%
Over 65 $42,393 3.5%
Above poverty level
4,018
Below poverty level
646
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,018 86.2% 0.7%
Below poverty level 646 13.8% -6.8%

Employment in North Des Moines

Workforce and job types in North Des Moines

68.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.5% run their own businesses, 73.9% are employed by private companies, and 10.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,587
Blue collar
739
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,587 68.2% 3.9%
Blue collar 739 31.8% -6.8%
Employer type
Self employees
6.5%
Private companies
73.9%
Governmental workers
10.7%
Not for profit companies
8.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 152 6.5% 4.1%
Private companies 1,718 73.9% -3.6%
Governmental workers 248 10.7% 21.6%
Not for profit companies 208 8.9% 10.1%

Transportation in North Des Moines

How people get around in North Des Moines

In North Des Moines, the average commute time is 3 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 97.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
3 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,950 97.6% -1.8%
Taxicab 5 0.2% -44.4%
Bus or trolleybus 16 0.8% -11.1%
Motorcycle 1 0% 0.0%
Bicycle 5 0.2% -28.6%
Walk 20 1% 0.0%
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 North Des Moines by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50317 36,548 14,229 $65,617 $77,735

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FAQs about North Des Moines demographics 

What is the total population of North Des Moines?

North Des Moines has a total population of 4,772 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 -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in North Des Moines?

The gender ratio in North Des Moines is as follows:
  • 52% males (2,484 residents)
  • 48% females (2,288 residents)

What is the median age in North Des Moines?

The median age in North Des Moines is 37.2.

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

The age distribution in North Des Moines is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.1% (1,056 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.2% (581 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.9% (1,234 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.2% (1,203 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.6% (698 residents)

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

The racial and ethnic makeup of North Des Moines is as follows:
  • White: 65.6% (3,129 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.4% (400 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (39 residents)
  • Asian: 3.6% (171 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (1 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.2% (581 residents)
  • Other: 9.5% (452 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 86.3% of the population in North Des Moines.

How many housing units are there in North Des Moines?

There are 1,969 housing units in North Des Moines, reflecting a -0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

North Des Moines has a total of 1,858 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in North Des Moines?

North Des Moines has a median household income of $65,617, representing a +6.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for North Des Moines?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.2% (1,587 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.8% (739 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.5% (152 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.9% (1,718 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.7% (248 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.9% (208 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