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Des Moines, IA

Frequently asked questions

Des Moines, IA

Des Moines is the capital and the most populous city in Iowa, United States. It is also the county seat of Polk County. A small part of the city extends into Warren County. It was incorporated on September 22, 1851, as Fort Des Moines, which was shortened to "Des Moines" in 1857. It is located on, and named after, the Des Moines River, which likely was adapted from the early French name, Rivière des Moines, meaning "River of the Monks". The six-county metropolitan area is ranked 81st in terms of population in the United States, with 709,466 residents according to the 2020 census by the United States Census Bureau, and is the largest metropolitan area fully located within the state.

Des Moines is a major center of the US insurance industry and has a sizable financial services and publishing business base. The city was credited as the "number one spot for U.S. insurance companies" in a Business Wire article and named the third-largest "insurance capital" of the world. The city is the headquarters for the Principal Financial Group, Ruan Transportation, TMC Transportation, EMC Insurance Companies, and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. Other major corporations such as Wells Fargo, Cognizant, Voya Financial, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, ACE Limited, Marsh, Monsanto, and Corteva have large operations in or near the metropolitan area. In recent years, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, and Facebook have built data-processing and logistical facilities in the Des Moines area.

Des Moines is an important city in U.S. presidential politics; as the state's capital, it is the site of the first caucuses of the presidential primary cycle. Many presidential candidates set up campaign headquarters in Des Moines. A 2007 article in The New York Times said, "If you have any desire to witness presidential candidates in the most close-up and intimate of settings, there is arguably no better place to go than Des Moines."

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 90.65 square miles (234.78 km²), of which 88.93 square miles (230.33 km²) is land and 1.73 square miles (4.48 km²) is covered by water. It is 850 feet (260 m) above sea level at the confluence of the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers.

In November 2005, Des Moines voters approved a measure that allowed the city to annex parcels of land in the northeast, southeast, and southern corners of Des Moines without agreement by residents, particularly areas bordering the Iowa Highway 5/U.S. 65 bypass. The annexations became official on June 26, 2009, as 5,174 acres (20.94 km²) and around 868 new residents were added to the city of Des Moines. An additional 759 acres (3.07 km²) were voluntarily annexed to the city over that same period.

Des Moines places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Lifetime Fitness provides a comprehensive wellness experience with state-of-the-art equipment, personal training, and a luxurious spa. Power Life Yoga offers a variety of yoga classes, from hot yoga to barre, catering to all fitness levels. East Village Spa is known for its therapeutic massages, skincare treatments, and serene atmosphere. The Wellmark YMCA features an expansive facility with swimming pools, fitness classes, and wellness programs. Climb Iowa provides indoor rock climbing challenges for both beginners and experienced climbers. The Des Moines Water Works Park offers extensive trails for biking, running, and walking, along with scenic picnic spots. Pure Salon & Spa delivers a range of beauty treatments and wellness services, including hair care and massages. Drake University’s Knapp Center is a state-of-the-art facility offering fitness classes, sports courts, and a running track.

Top sites in Des Moines, IA are Blank Park Zoo, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Population: 210,381 (2023). ZIP code: 50301. Area code: 515. Elevation: 873 ft (266 m). Area: 90.70 sq mi (234.92 km²).

FAQs

What is Des Moines, IA is known for?

Des Moines is a major center of the US insurance industry and has a sizable financial services and publishing business base. The city was credited as the "number one spot for U.S. insurance companies" in a Business Wire article and named the third-largest "insurance capital" of the world. The city is the headquarters for the Principal Financial Group, Ruan Transportation, TMC Transportation, EMC Insurance Companies, and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Is Des Moines, IA a good place to live?

Des Moines is a good city for anyone, but recent surveys indicate that Des Moines is one of the best cities for millennials. One source recently considered factors like job opportunities, home affordability, and livability when it ranked Des Moines as the #2 city for young home buyers. If you’re not looking to buy a home yet, remember that the Des Moines area rent is well below the national average.

Is Des Moines, IA expensive?

Des Moines, Iowa's cost of living is 14% lower than the national average. The cost of living in any area can vary based on factors such as your career, average salary, and the real estate market of that area. Des Moines's housing expenses are 32% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 15% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 12% lower than the national average. Des Moines has grocery prices that are 2% lower than the national average. Healthcare in Des Moines is 4% lower than the national average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Des Moines

Payscale

Orchard Place

Blank Park Zoo

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Lifetime Fitness

Power Life Yoga

East Village Spa

Wellmark YMCA

Climb Iowa

Des Moines Water Works Park

Pure Salon & Spa

Drake University’s Knapp Center

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.