Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines: The capital of Iowa. It is located in central Iowa. Des Moines is known for its many parks and green spaces, its many outdoor activities, and its many attractions, such as the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and the Science Center of Iowa.
About
Des Moines is a city located in the county of Polk in the U.S. state of Iowa. Its population at the 2010 census was 203,433 and a population density of 866 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 212,312 inhabitants.
The city was created 182 years ago in 1842.
Des Moines is the capital and most populous city in the state of Iowa. With over 210,000 residents in the metro area, it is Iowa's primary political and economic center.
History and Origins
Des Moines was incorporated in 1851 and named after the Des Moines River. It emerged as a major insurance and publishing hub.
Key historical facts:
- Founded at the convergence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers
- Served as a Fort during the 19th century frontier expansion
- Designated as Iowa’s capital city in 1857
- Emerged as a major insurance and publishing center
Economy and Major Industries
Des Moines has a diversified economy focused on finance, insurance, healthcare, publishing, and government. Major employers include:
- Wells Fargo Home Mortgage headquarters
- Principal Financial Group headquarters
- UnityPoint Health Network
- Meredith Corporation publishing
Attractions and Things to Do
Popular sites include:
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park showcasing artwork
- Downtown Des Moines' East Village historic warehouse district
- The Iowa State Capitol and its grounds
- The Des Moines Art Center featuring exhibits and events
- The Iowa State Fair held annually in August
Des Moines provides amenities, culture, entertainment and urban Midwestern flair.
Quick Facts about Des Moines
| Population : | 212,312 (2020) |
| Country : | United States of America |
| State : | Iowa (United States) |
| County : | Polk County |
| Postal code : | 50301-50340-50310 |
| Phone Area Codes : | 515 |
| Area : | 234.99 km2 |
| Official name : | Des Moines |
| Altitude : | 955 feet / 291 meters |
| Capital city : | Des Moines is capital of Iowa |
| Establishment : | January 01, 1843 (182 years ago) |
| Time Zone : | UTC−06:00, UTC−05:00 |
| Local time : | 13:16:57 (23rd May 2025) |
| Density : | 904 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth : | 4.18% (2010-2020) |
Geography
Des Moines is located at 41°36'2"N 93°36'33"W (41.6005400, -93.6091100).
Des Moines map
icon to open full mode. View satellite images
- Official Website
Official website of Des Moines
- Gatineau
- Kōfu
- Naucalpan de Juárez Municipality
- Paspébiac
- Province of Catanzaro
- Saint-Étienne (1985 )
- Shijiazhuang
- Stavropol (1992 )
Demographics
The population of Des Moines increased by 4.18% in 10 years.
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
| 2010 | 203,433 | - | census |
| 2011 | 207,924 | 2.16% | estimation process |
| 2012 | 210,244 | 1.1% | estimation process |
| 2013 | 212,026 | 0.84% | estimation process |
| 2014 | 214,350 | 1.08% | estimation process |
| 2015 | 215,243 | 0.41% | estimation process |
| 2016 | 216,308 | 0.49% | estimation process |
| 2017 | 216,662 | 0.16% | estimation process |
| 2018 | 215,994 | -0.31% | estimation process |
| 2019 | 214,237 | -0.82% | estimation process |
| 2020 | 212,312 | -0.91% | estimation process |
Other Places in Des Moines
1 Des Moines City Hall
400 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309 ➦ Show Map
☎ +15152834500 🔗 Url
2 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
502 E 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50319, United States ➦ Show Map
☎ +15152815321 🔗 Url
3 Des Moines City Council Chambers
400 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309 ➦ Show Map
☎ +15152834944 🔗 Url
4 Des Moines City Council
400 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309 ➦ Show Map
☎ +15152834944 🔗 Url
5 Meat Inspection Division
502 E 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50319, United States ➦ Show Map
☎ +15152815597 🔗 Url
People born in Des Moines (200)
People born in Des Moines, including basketball player Hurl Beechum, German-banker and member of the Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank Andreas Dombret, Illinois politician Rodney L. Davis, .
List
- Alex Payne (American professional wrestler) he was born in 06/08/1987
- Stanley B. Prusiner (Neurologist, biochemist) he was born in 28/05/1942
- Shawn Johnson (American gymnast) she was born in 19/01/1992
- Cloris Leachman (American actress) she was born in 30/04/1926
- Gertrude Käsebier (American photographer) she was born in 18/05/1852
- Tionne Watkins (she is the modt sweetest person to ever meet truly.) she was born in 26/04/1970
- Kate Elliott (American writer) she was born in 27/07/1958
- Monrad Wallgren (American politician (1891-1961)) he was born in 17/04/1891
- Rita McBride (American sculptor) she was born in 01/01/1960
- Farrah Franklin (American actress and singer) she was born in 03/05/1981
- Corey Taylor (American musician) he was born in 08/12/1973
- Joey Jordison (American musician) he was born in 26/04/1975
- Brandon Routh (American actor) he was born in 09/10/1979
- Bill Bryson (American author) he was born in 08/12/1951
- Shawn Crahan (American musician) he was born in 24/09/1969
- Mick Thomson (American musician) he was born in 03/11/1973
- Chris Fehn (American musician) he was born in 24/02/1973
- Sid Wilson (American musician) he was born in 20/01/1977
Schools in Des Moines
College & universities near Des Moines, IA
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 153588 | American College of Hairstyling-Des Moines | Des Moines (IA) | 50309 |
| 153977 | Mercy College of Health Sciences | Des Moines (IA) | 50309-1239 |
| 153375 | Grand View University | Des Moines (IA) | 50316 |
| 153542 | UnityPoint Health-Des Moines School of Radiologic Technology | Des Moines (IA) | 50309-1453 |
| 153269 | Drake University | Des Moines (IA) | 50311-4505 |
Stations (3)
Amtrak & bus stations near Des Moines, IA
| Code | Name | Address | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OSC | Osceola | Main & East Clay Streets | RAIL |
| CRN | Creston | Pine and Adams Avenue | RAIL |
| OTM | Ottumwa station | 210 West Main Street | RAIL |
Post offices near Des Moines
| Post Office Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moin Post Office | Des Moines (IA) | 50318 |
| Capital Squar Post Office | Des Moines (IA) | 50309 |
| University Station Post Office | Des Moines (IA) | 50311 |
| East Sid Post Office | Des Moines (IA) | 50313 |
| Beaverdal Post Office | Des Moines (IA) | 50310 |
Other places with the same name (3)
- Des Moines , Washington city in Washington with a population of 32,389 people.
- Des Moines , New Mexico town with a population of 121 people.
Other cities in Polk County
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Polk County , IA. (more)
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Ankeny | 70,068 | The most populous city in Polk County, Iowa. |
| West Des Moines | 69,057 | The most populous city in Dallas County, Iowa. |
| Urbandale | 44,650 | A city in Polk County, Iowa. |
| Johnston | 23,092 | City in Iowa, United States |
| Altoona | 19,503 | City in Polk County, Iowa, United States |
| Clive | 17,444 | Human settlement in Iowa, United States of America |
| Grimes | 15,831 | City in Iowa, United States |
| Pleasant Hill | 10,025 | American city in Iowa |
| Bondurant | 7,293 | City in Polk County, Iowa, United States of America |
| Polk City | 4,961 | American city in Iowa |
| Windsor Heights | 4,735 | City in Polk County, Iowa, United States |
| Saylorville | 3,301 | City in Polk County, Iowa, United States of America |
| Mitchellville | 2,273 | City in Iowa, United States |
| Elkhart | 952 | American city in Iowa |
| Runnells | 498 | City in Polk County, Iowa, United States |
| Alleman | 447 | City in Polk County, Iowa, United States |
Distance to Other Cities
Des Moines distances to largest Iowa cities
