Deep Dive Relocation Report: Des Moines, IA (2026)

1. Des Moines: The Data Profile (2026)

Des Moines operates as a high-equilibrium market for the post-remote worker. The statistical target demographic is the "Hybrid Optimizer"—professionals earning $60,882 who prioritize housing liquidity over coastal prestige. While the population stands at 210,363, the critical metric is the education gap: 31.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, trailing the US average of 33.1%. This suggests a labor market less saturated with hyper-specialized talent, offering leverage to skilled transplants.

The economic equation is defined by a deficit in income relative to purchasing power. Median income is -18.4% lower than the national median ($74,580), yet the aggregate Cost of Living Index sits at 90.0 (approximate average of provided metrics), representing a 10.0% discount to the national average. The disconnect between the -18.4% income gap and the -10.0% cost gap creates a "value squeeze" for high earners but a "lifestyle buffer" for median earners.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

The financial advantage in Des Moines is driven primarily by non-discretionary spending categories. Housing remains the dominant value driver, scoring 82.0 on the index (-18.0% vs US). However, utilities present a volatility risk; electricity costs 13.4 cents/kWh, which is 16.3% cheaper than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh, but this margin is narrower than housing.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Note: Restaurant index applied to a $200/week personal budget for singles and $600/month family dining.

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single professional earning the median income of $60,882 takes home approximately $3,850 monthly after taxes. Subtracting the $1,934 total monthly budget leaves a disposable income of $1,916. This is 21.4% higher than the disposable income remaining in the average US city, providing a significant buffer for savings or investment despite the lower gross salary.

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

The Des Moines housing market is characterized by high rent-to-price ratios, favoring buyers. The median home price is significantly depressed relative to national norms, creating a low barrier to entry for asset accumulation. Renters face a market where supply is tight enough to keep Fair Market Rents stable, but buying remains the mathematically superior option for residents planning a stay of 3+ years.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
The "Price-to-Rent Ratio" in Des Moines heavily favors buying. On a $185,000 home with a 20% down payment, the monthly mortgage (at 6.5% interest) is roughly $935, which is only marginally higher than the $783 rent for a 1-bedroom but significantly lower than the $1,267 rent for a 3-bedroom. The -55.5% gap in median home prices compared to the US average allows buyers to build equity at a rate 2.2x faster relative to their income than the national average.

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

In 2026, the "Return to Office" (RTO) mandate has reshaped the Des Moines commute. With a population of 210,363, the city avoids the gridlock of larger metros. The average commute time is estimated at 18 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 27 minutes. This saves the average worker approximately 45 hours of commuting time annually.

Local industry stability is anchored in insurance and financial services (often termed the "Hartford of the West"). The unemployment rate sits at 3.5%, which is 0.5 percentage points lower than the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a tight labor market where job security is high, though wage growth is capped by the lower median income ceiling of $60,882. For remote workers, the 13.4 cents/kWh electricity rate is a boon for home office energy consumption.

5. Quality of Life Audit

While the economic data is robust, the health metrics present a complex picture. The aggregate Health Score of 77.5/100 is "Good," yet underlying risk factors are elevated. The obesity rate is 39.4%, a staggering +7.5 percentage points above the US average of 31.9%. This suggests that the local food culture and lifestyle may contribute to long-term health risks, despite accessible healthcare (index 93.5).

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:
Des Moines offers average safety statistics. Violent crime is 302/100k (vs US 380/100k), and property crime is 1679/100k (vs US 2000/100k). While not a "safe haven" like a sub-100k population town, it is statistically safer than the average US city.

Air Quality:
The Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45 is "Good," driven by PM2.5 levels of 8.0 µg/m³, which is 23.8% cleaner than the US average. This is a significant differentiator for families with respiratory concerns.

Schools & Weather:
School performance in the metro area generally tracks slightly above state averages but slightly below national averages in standardized testing. Weather remains a constraint: the current temperature of 34.0°F and "Slight Chance Light Snow" conditions highlight the harsh winter reality, with average snowfall exceeding 40 inches annually.

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Liquidity: Median home price of $185,000 offers the lowest entry cost among metros with sub-4.0% unemployment.
• Disposable Income: The 10.0% cost of living discount combined with low unemployment creates a high-savings environment for median earners.
• Air Quality: AQI of 45 is a top-tier metric for a mid-sized industrial hub.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income of $60,882 is -18.4% below the national average, limiting wealth accumulation for high-earning professionals compared to coastal markets.
• Health Risks: Obesity rate of 39.4% indicates a sedentary local culture that may negatively impact long-term longevity.
• Winter Severity: Significant snowfall and prolonged sub-freezing temperatures impact quality of life for 4-5 months annually.

Final Recommendation:
Des Moines is a Strong Buy for the "Hybrid Worker" earning between $65,000 and $90,000 who seeks to maximize asset accumulation via homeownership. It is Not Recommended for high-earning professionals ($150k+) seeking dynamic career networking or those averse to harsh winters.

7. FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Des Moines?
For a single professional, a salary of $55,000 is the baseline for "comfort," covering the $1,934 monthly budget with 20% savings. For a family, $85,000 is recommended to maintain a similar savings rate.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other Midwest cities?
Des Moines offers a -18.0% housing discount compared to the US average, which is deeper than Indianapolis (-12%) or Kansas City (-8%), making it the regional value leader for buyers.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. With Violent Crime at 302/100k and Property Crime at 1679/100k, the city is statistically ~20% safer than the national average across both categories.

4. What is the best timing for relocation?
Target April through June. This avoids the 34.0°F winter average and the high humidity of July/August, while capitalizing on the spring housing inventory release.