Des Moines, IA Census Data
The largest city in Iowa by population · 11 cities ranked
Des Moines is the largest city in Iowa by population and ranks 8th of 11 for median household income. With 212,464 residents, its poverty rate of 14.9% ranks among the higher rates in Iowa. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
212,464
49.5% male · 50.5% female
Median Age
34.6
4.1 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$63,966
$14,572 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
29.0%
6.0% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 87.3%
Poverty Rate
14.9%
2.5% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 6.7%
Broadband Access
94.5%
4.8% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$183,700
Median rent: $1,054 · 60% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
Labor force participation: 66.6%
Per Capita Income
$41,192
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
5.5%
Disability rate: 14.3%
How Des Moines Compares to Other Iowa Cities
Rankings among all 11 Iowa cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 1st of 11 | Top 10% |
| Highest Median Income | 8th of 11 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 7th of 11 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 8th of 11 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 6th of 11 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Des Moines, IA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Des Moines, IA?
The population of Des Moines, IA is 212,464 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 34.6 years.
What is the median household income in Des Moines?
The median household income in Des Moines, IA is $63,966, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $41,192.
What is the poverty rate in Des Moines?
The poverty rate in Des Moines, IA is 14.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 6.7% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Des Moines residents have a college degree?
29.0% of adults (25+) in Des Moines hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 87.3% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Des Moines?
The median home value in Des Moines, IA is $183,700. Median rent is $1,054 per month, with 60% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Des Moines?
Des Moines's population is 66.9% White, 12.0% Black, 16.0% Hispanic or Latino, and 6.2% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Des Moines rank among Iowa cities?
Des Moines is the 1st largest city in Iowa by population, the 8th highest for median household income, the 7th lowest for poverty rate, the 8th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 11 ranked Iowa cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Des Moines?
The unemployment rate in Des Moines, IA is 5.7%, with a labor force participation rate of 66.6%. Per capita income is $41,192.