What to know when moving to Des Moines, IA
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
The crime rates in Iowa show a general downward trend over recent years, with property crime down by 17.3% since 2022. The state's violent crime rate is also lower than the national average.
- Violent crime: 236.6 per 100k vs. 325.3 national average, down 20% since 2022
- Property crime: 1201.8 per 100k vs. 1546.9 national average, down 17.3% since 2022
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has decreased by 21.2% since 2022
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Iowa).
Schools & Higher Ed
There are a total of 9 postsecondary institutions within the vicinity of Des Moines, offering a range of educational opportunities.
- Drake University
- Grand View University
- Iowa School of Beauty-Des Moines
- Mercy College of Health Sciences
- UnityPoint Health-Des Moines School of Radiologic Technology
- Des Moines Area Community College
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Polk County experiences an annual precipitation total of 34.5 inches, with 113 rainy days each year. Snowfall is relatively low, averaging about 2.9 inches annually.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Blank Park Zoo - 4.5 stars (6594 reviews)
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park - 4.6 stars (5395 reviews)
- Raccoon River Park - 4.7 stars (2592 reviews)
- Gray's Lake Park - 4.7 stars (2344 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Polk County has a labor force of 289,649 with an unemployment rate of 3.5%. Employment is relatively stable with 279,540 individuals currently employed.
- Unemployment rate: 3.5% (December 2025)
- Employed: 279,540
- Labor force: 289,649
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS).