Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Ratings
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.
Located in the state of Washington, Des Moines is a mid-sized city with a population of 32,691 people. Des Moines has a population density of 5,084 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. Something to be aware of when living in Des Moines are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 30 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Des Moines, Washington. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Des Moines, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like commute, education, employment, housing and more.
Des Moines has a livability score of 80 out of 100 and is ranked #84 in Washington and #1,548 in the USA. Clearly, Des Moines is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Des Moines has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. Based on the grades for each individual category, Des Moines has received high marks for employment (A-) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Des Moines ranks poorly for, including: crime (D) and cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Des Moines excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Des Moines. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Des Moines are affordable. Median real estate prices in Des Moines come in at $672,175, which is 36.7% higher than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Des Moines, the home price to income ratio is 6.5, which is 20.4% higher than the Washington average.
| Statistic | Des Moines | Washington | National |
| Average one way commute | 30min | 27min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 75.7% | 72.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.3% | 10.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 6.3% | 6.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.9% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.8% | 3.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.0% | 5.6% | 4.6% |
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