Des Moines, IABest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Located in the heart of Iowa, Des Moines combines small-town charm and big-city amenities. With a friendly community, a strong economy and plenty of things to do, residents know that the fun is never done here.
Des Moines, IA, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Enjoy the good life in Des Moines, IA, which has wide-open spaces and more than 75 parks, a beloved farmers market, friendly and civic-minded residents, and a fantastic dining scene. Easy commutes plus a vibrant community that loves the outdoors and arts culture help nurture a healthy work-life balance among locals.
Des Moines is a hip, increasingly youthful city full of art, culture and easy access to outdoor recreation. As one of the best places to live in the U.S., Des Moines is big on amenities, yet the overall cost of living and home costs and rent clock in below the national average. On top of that, there’s plenty of free fun to be had close to home, from the State Historical Museum to the Des Moines Public Library, which hosts book clubs and story times.
The business opportunities are endless for the more than 218,000 people who call Des Moines home. With a spirit of collaboration, startups thrive in Iowa’s capital city, and industries are varied but include financial services, insurance, manufacturing and government.
One more thing: The Iowa State Fair is held each year in Des Moines, and there are 70 items you can order on a stick, from funnel cakes to Caprese salads.
Des Moines, IA Quality of Life LivScore
Des Moines, IA Top Categories
Housing & Cost of Living
Transportation
Amenities
Des Moines ranks highest for housing, transportation and amenities.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has a humid continental climate and four distinct seasons where summers are hot and winters are cold. The average highs and lows are 84°F and 64°F (summer) and 33°F and 16°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Des Moines is 3 inches. Snow can fall in Des Moines from as early as October to as late as April, but the heaviest snowfall usually occurs in January and February.
The average annual rainfall in Des Moines is 35 inches. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with slightly higher amounts in the spring and summer.
Des Moines averages 204 sunny days a year.
Do yourself a favor and get a membership to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, which has summer concerts, a “Petal and Plate” dinner series, and beautiful gardens to see again and again.
Des Moines Weather
204 days
Average Annual Sun
35 inches
Average Annual Rain
3 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Des Moines, IA
Check out the sculptures in the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, which has pieces by notable artists like social activist Keith Haring and Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa. Then continue your artsy adventure with a visit to the Des Moines Art Center, established in 1948. This world-class art museum has an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, modern art and mixed media.
At the Science Center of Iowa, kids can design a stop-motion movie at an animation station, discover Iowa’s native habitats and learn about galaxies far away in the Star Theater Planetarium.
Catch a stand-up comedy show at Teehee’s Comedy Club.
Come for bubbles and bites at Cheese Bar, a fromage lover’s paradise with charcuterie and grilled cheese sandwiches.
The Local and State Economy in Des Moines, IA
Insurance, agriculture and finance are titans of industry in Des Moines. Meredith Corporation, Kum & Go, and Hy-Vee are all headquartered here.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Des Moines is 7%.
Yes, Iowa has a state income tax.
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center is the highest-ranking hospital in the city and has a high-performing rank in 11 procedures and conditions. Other top-tier hospitals include UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center and Broadlawns Medical Center.
There are several colleges and universities in Des Moines, IA, including Des Moines University, Drake University, Grand View University and Des Moines Area Community College.
Quick Facts About Des Moines, IA
- Median Household Income
- $58,790
- Median Home Value
- $177,040
- Average State Property Tax
- $2,522
- Total Population
- 218,451
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $853
- Average Commute
- 17.35 minutes
Safe neighborhoods, an affordable cost of living and diverse amenities all contribute to ranking Des Moines as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Learn how to best experience Des Moines and discover its affordable cost of living. Also, read what Iowa residents love about living there.
