Greater Des Moines is part of the nine-county Central Iowa area with nearly 740,000 residents. The metro has seen tremendous growth over the past five years and has over $2 billion of public and private projects under construction.
Following is an overview of Greater Des Moines, including things like our community profiles, climate, demographics, transportation, real estate market and taxes and fees. Click here for the Greater Des Moines area regional map.
Economic Indicators
For trends in industry, income, real estate and employment in our five-county metro area, click here. The report compares Des Moines metro performance to trends in the State of Iowa and the nation.
Community Profiles
Our communities put the "Greater" in Greater Des Moines. The city of Des Moines is the largest among us, but Greater Des Moines offers over 50 individually recognized neighborhoods, seven suburbs and many more contiguous communities. Learn more.
Climate
Iowans respect Mother Nature, but we hardly cower in fear at the first sign of snow. Enduring the occasional winter storm is a small price to pay in order to have all four glorious seasons. Overall, our climate isn't nearly as bad as its reputation.
Average temperatures: Spring (47), Summer (75), Fall (50) and Winter (23). Average annual rainfall: 32.1 inches; snowfall: 31.6 inches.
Demographics
View current data on the metro population, income and more.
Education
Besides friendly people, Iowa is probably best known for education. We send our kids to the best schools in the world. And, while quality of education seemingly depends on size of parental bank account in other places, Iowa focuses on providing all children with a great public education.
In 2006, 91 percent of people 25 years and over had at least graduated from high school and 31 percent had a bachelor's degree or higher. The total school enrollment in the metro area was 138,000 in 2006. Nursery school and kindergarten enrollment was 18,000 and elementary or high school enrollment was 90,000 children. College or graduate school enrollment was 31,000.
Click here to learn more about our education system.
Diversity
Minorities make up about 10 percent of the Greater Des Moines population, including 4.1% African American and 2.1% Asian or Pacific Islander. 5.5 percent of the population is of Hispanic ethnicity. The Greater Des Moines Partnership emphasizes the value of diversity by maintaining a Diversity Committee, whose focus goes beyond racial diversity and includes age, education, gender, physical abilities, religious beliefs, sexual/gender orientation, work background and other perceived differences. Check out the Partnership's Diversity Committee newsletter, Inclusion, for more information.
Export/Import
Nearly 100 area companies engage in export/import activity. From 2005 to 2006, Greater Des Moines exports rose 10% to $687,000,000.
Des Moines is a Port of Entry for U.S. Customs and has a Foreign Trade Zone in operation. For help specifically in the area of exporting/importing in the agribusiness sector, click here.
Labor Force Summary
Des Moines-West Des Moines IA MSA (5 counties)
2007 annual average
Resident civilian labor force: 309,900
Employed: 299,400
Unemployed: 10,400
Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
Total non-farm employment based on place of work: 320,000
Major Employers
Financial services, insurance, government, manufacturing, trade and services.
more
Real Estate/Housing
The American dream of owning a home is within reach of more people in Greater Des Moines. With a wide range of housing prices, locations and amenities throughout Greater Des Moines, chances are you'll find something perfect for your family and budget. Greater Des Moines homes are among the most affordable nationwide.
Taxes and Fees
State Sales Tax: 5 percent on personal property except food, prescription drugs, and medical devices
Local Option Sales Tax: 1 percent (same exclusions as above)
State Corporate Income Tax: Single factor on in-state sales
Federal Taxes Deductible: Corporate (50 percent), Individual (100 percent)
Trade Area
702,000 people reside within a one-hour drive of Des Moines.
Tourism
In 2006, domestic travel expenditures to the tune of $1.5 billion were made in the five-county metro area.
Transportation
Des Moines International Airport: 8 airlines with direct flights to many major cities
Major Highways: Interstate 80, Interstate 35
Railroads: Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Norfolk and Southern, Iowa Interstate Railroad, and Union Pacific
Mass Transit: Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART)
more
Utilities
Electricity and Natural Gas: MidAmerican Energy Company (1-800-427-5632)
Water: Des Moines Water Works (515-283-8700)
Sewage: City of Des Moines (515-283-4500)
Telephone: Local service, Qwest (1-800-244-1111)
Downloads
A short compilation of our most requested business statistics and demographics.
McGraw-Hill Construction reports monthly contracts for future construction and year-to-date activity for both residential and nonresidential projects in the five-county metro area. May 2008 statistics are now available for download.
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