Des Moines
About Des Moines
Iowa’s capital city is unforgettable for many reasons. U.S. News listed Des Moines, Iowa as the 4th best place to live in the country. According to Business Wire, it’s the “number one spot for U.S. insurance companies” and the third-largest “insurance capital” of the world.
Des Moines also plays an important role in the presidential primary cycle as the site of the first caucus. In addition to its political impact, Des Moines is also home to Principal Financial Group, the Meredith Corporation, Ruan Transportation, EMC Insurance Companies, and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Beautiful historic architecture, a thriving economy, cost-effective living, and plenty of entertainment options for the entire family: It’s no wonder Des Moines, Iowa is one of the best places to live in the country.
Who Lives in Des Moines
The thriving job market, low cost of living, and entertainment options have attracted many young professionals to Des Moines. Studies show that many of the home buyers are between 25 and 34 years old.
Des Moines residents are well-educated and religious. Nearly 90 percent of residents over the age of 25 graduated from high school and a quarter received a bachelor’s degree. Half of the metro’s residents consider themselves religious. The common affiliations are Protestant, evangelical Protestant, and Catholic.
Des Moines, Iowa Demographics (For population 25 years and over in Des Moines):
- Population: 215,328 (according to 2016 census)
- Unemployment: 4.3% (according to 2016 census)
- Median Age: 34.5 (according to 2016 census)
- Medium income: $49,203 (according to 2016 census)
- High school or higher: 84.8%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 25.2%
- Graduate or professional degree: 7.6%
- Median Home Value: $126,100
- Average Commute Time: 17.7 min
Education in Des Moines
Grade School – High School
The Des Moines Public Schools district is the largest community school district in Iowa with 33,057 students enrolled as of the 2017-2018 school year. The district consists of 63 schools: 38 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, 5 high schools (East, Hoover, Lincoln, North, and Roosevelt), and 10 special schools and programs.
Portions of Des Moines are served by Carlisle Community Schools, Johnston Community School District, the Southeast Polk Community School District, and the Saydel School District. Grand View Christian School is the only private school within Des Moines proper.
Colleges and Universities
Des Moines also has three four-year private colleges: Drake University, Grand View University, and Mercy College of Health Sciences.
The University of Iowa has two satellite facilities in the city; Simpson College, Upper Iowa University, and William Penn University also maintain classroom facilities in suburban locations. For-profit colleges with classrooms in the area include ITT Technical Institute, Kaplan University, and Vatterott College.
Des Moines Area Community College is the area’s community college with campuses in Ankeny, Des Moines, and West Des Moines.
The city is also home to Des Moines University, an osteopathic medical school.
Utility Info:
Electric and Gas (MidAmerican Energy): (888) 427-5632
Water/Sewer/Trash/Recycling (Des Moines Water Works): (515) 283-8700