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Des Moines, IA
Des Moines · Polk County · IA 50309
Updated October 30, 2026 · Would You Live There?
Good for now
Verdict
$293K
Median Price
75/100
Walk Score
6.8/10
Schools
25 min
to Downtown Des Moines
Score Breakdown
DAffordability
45/100
D+Safety
55/100
C+Schools
68/100
D+Quietness
50/100
B+Commute
85/100
BWalkability
75/100
WYLT Score63/100
Our Take
Des Moines offers a decent mix of walkability, bike routes and decent public transit, but the cost of buying a home and the median income suggest you’ll be spending a good chunk of your paycheck on housing. It’s a solid place if you’re a young professional or a small family, but it isn’t a great deal for anyone looking to stretch every dollar.
B.
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The Good
- ✓Bike‑friendly streets and a 57 transit score make getting around easier than many mid‑size cities
- ✓The median home price is still under 350k, lower than many nearby metros
- ✓A variety of elementary schools score 9, and the average high school rating is above 6
- ✓Flood risk is low (Zone X)
- ✓Public transit is considered good for commuting to downtown
Real Talk
- !Median income (58k) is well below the median home price (309k), giving a price‑to‑income ratio of about 5.3, which is high for many buyers
- !Crime rates in Des Moines are moderate; you’ll find some neighborhoods with higher rates of property crime
- !There’s a noticeable lack of large parks or green spaces compared to other cities of similar size
- !Renting in Des Moines can be pricey for families, especially if you’re looking for a private single‑family home
- $Annual property taxes can run 1–2% of home value, adding to monthly costs
- $Older homes may require more maintenance and utility upgrades
- $Insurance costs are higher if you have a home with a garage or an older roof
- $HOA or community fees can add $50–$150/month if you live in a planned community
Best For
young professionalsremote workerssmall families with kidsbudget‑conscious renters
Risk Snapshot
Flood riskLow
Violent crimeModerate
Property crimeModerate
Air qualityGood
Price volatilityModerate
Crime & Safety
Des Moines, IA
D+
Safety grade
Safety score55 / 100
High riskVery safe
⚠️Violent Crime
Moderate3.9incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (3.7)11+
5% higher than the national average
🔒Property Crime
Moderate19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (19.5)59+
2% higher than the national average
Verify with real-time data
City-Data stats →From Residents
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