Des Moines city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Des Moines city, Iowa has a total population of 212,464, the 1st largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $63,966, which is 13% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 14.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Des Moines city is the 1st largest city in Iowa with a population of 212,464.
Des Moines city Quick Facts
How Des Moines city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 30 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Des Moines city Rankings in Iowa
Explore Iowa Rankings
Cities Similar to Des Moines city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids city | 136,859 | $67,859 | $177,100 | 32.9% | 11.8% |
| Davenport city | 101,083 | $64,497 | $162,900 | 30.0% | 15.6% |
| Sioux City city | 85,651 | $65,473 | $162,600 | 21.7% | 14.6% |
| Iowa City city | 75,264 | $57,533 | $273,600 | 60.7% | 26.3% |
| Ames city | 66,112 | $60,102 | $263,800 | 63.5% | 25.9% |
Population Overview
Des Moines city is a major urban center located in Iowa. The total population is 212,464. It ranks as the 1st most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Des Moines city is 34.6 years. This is 10% lower than the state median of 38.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Des Moines city is $63,966. This is 13% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 19% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.9%. This is 35% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. The unemployment rate is 5.8%. This is 58% higher than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $183,700. Housing costs are 6% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Des Moines city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 60.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 15% lower than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Des Moines city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 61.7% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 16.0%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (11.8% vs 3.8%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (16.0% vs 7.0%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (6.2% vs 2.4%).
Education
29.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 6% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 87.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Des Moines city, Iowa is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Iowa state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,018 Census-designated places in Iowa. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Des Moines city, Iowa?
Des Moines city, Iowa has a population of 212,464 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Des Moines city, IA?
The median household income in Des Moines city is $63,966, which is 19% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Des Moines city, IA?
The poverty rate in Des Moines city is 14.9%. This means approximately 30,943 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Des Moines city, Iowa?
Des Moines city's population is 61.7% White, 11.8% Black, 16.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 6.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Des Moines city, IA?
The median home value in Des Moines city is $183,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x.
How educated is Des Moines city, Iowa?
29.0% of adults (25+) in Des Moines city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.