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CITY · 2000 CENSUS

Des Moines

Iowa · 198,682 residents · 88.162 sq mi
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The short version

Des Moines has roughly average household income, with a median household income of $38,408. Population has held roughly steady since 1990. Median home value has risen by half since 1990, reaching $79,900.

At a glance
Lower income
below the US median
US median: $42,589
Mid-age
median age 33.8
US median: 35.2
Average education
22% hold a bachelor's degree
US average: 24%
Stable housing
home values roughly flat, inflation adjusted
US median home: $120,530
Section 01

Population & growth

198,682
+3%since 1990
from 193,187 in 1990
1990 – 2025
2,254 / sq mi
+3%since 1990
from 2,191 / sq mi in 1990
US average: 242
33.8
+4%since 1990
from 32.4 in 1990
US average: 35.2
Population, 19902024
191K198K205K211K218K1990201020202024Des Moines
2024212K
1990201020202024
Section 02

Income & economy

$38,408
+9%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $26,703 in 1990
US average: $42,589
1990 – 2024
$19,467
+42%since 1990
from $13,710 in 1990
US average: $21,522
11.4%
−1.5 ptssince 1990
from 12.9% in 1990
US average: 12.4%
Section 03

Housing

$79,900
+24%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $49,000 in 1990
US average: $120,530
1990 – 2024
$532
−1%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $408 in 1990
US average: $602
64.7%
+2.7 ptssince 1990
from 62.0% in 1990
35.3% rent
2.1
+13%since 1990
from 1.8 in 1990
1990 – 2024
RELATED:See current rent listings in Des Moines on RentDataNow
Section 04

Race & ethnicity

1990
White, non-Hispanic89.3%(172,426)
Black7.1%(13,667)
Hispanic / Latino2.4%(4,550)
Asian2.3%(4,437)
Diversity Score29.2%(56,418)
2000
White, non-Hispanic79.6%(158,095)
Black8%(15,813)
Hispanic / Latino6.6%(13,138)
Asian3.5%(6,885)
Diversity Score40.4%(80,200)
40
+38%since 1990
from 29 in 1990
1990 – 2024
Section 05

Education

21.8%
+2.9 ptssince 1990
from 18.9% in 1990
US average: 24.4%
High school or higher
83.0%
+2.0 ptssince 1990
from 81.0% in 1990
US average: 80.3%
6.5%
+0.5 ptssince 1990
from 6.0% in 1990
US average: 8.8%
Section 06

Commute & transportation

10.5 min
−34%since 1990
from 15.9 min in 1990
US average: 17.6
Section 07

Work & employment

No data for the years selected.

Section 08

People & community

No data for the years selected.

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Neighborhoods in Des Moines

BeaverdaleDrakeHighland ParkIndianola HillsLower BeaverMerle HaySouthwestern HillsWatrous SouthWaveland ParkNeighborhoods in Des Moines
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Places similar to Des Moines

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Frequently asked

How many people live in Des Moines, Iowa?

Des Moines, Iowa has about 198,682 residents according to the 2000 Census.

What is the median household income in Des Moines, Iowa?

The typical household in Des Moines, Iowa earns about $38,408 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is Des Moines, Iowa expensive?

In Des Moines, Iowa, the median home is worth about $79,900, and the typical rent is about $532 a month.

How educated are people in Des Moines, Iowa?

About 21.8% of adults age 25 and over in Des Moines, Iowa hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in Des Moines, Iowa?

About 11.4% of people in Des Moines, Iowa live below the federal poverty line.

Has Des Moines, Iowa grown since 1990?

Yes, Des Moines, Iowa has grown since 1990. The population has added about 5,495 residents, a change of about 3 percent over that period.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

How we source and harmonize this data →