Greater Des Moines is represented statistically by five counties -- Polk, Dallas, Warren, Madison and Guthrie -- also known as the Des Moines-West Des Moines IA MSA.  Recently, the Greater Des Moines Partnership added Jasper and Marshall counties to its service area.  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.

 

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 2008, 92.4 percent of people 25 years and over had at least graduated from high school and 42.3 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.

 

Export/Import
In 2006, Greater Des Moines exports totaled $686,582,421; the first half of 2007 logged in at $365,032,700.  Nearly 100 area companies engage in export/import activity.  

 

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.

Resident civilian labor force:  315,100
Employed:  297,500
Unemployed:  17,600
Unemployment Rate:  5.6%

 

Total non-farm employment based on place of work:  319,700

 

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: 6 percent on personal property except food, prescription drugs, and medical
State Corporate Income Tax: Single factor on in-state sales
Federal Taxes Deductible: Corporate (50 percent), Individual (100 percent)

Trade Area
731,000 people reside within a one-hour drive of Des Moines.

 

In 2008, domestic travel expenditures to the tune of $1.88 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)