Des Moines at a Glance
Metro Population: 635,000
Major Industries: Insurance, Health care, Agribusiness
Gross Metro Product: $45.2 B
Median Household Income: $64,278
Median Home Price: $191,200
Unemployment: 3%
Job Growth (2016): 2.4%
Cost of Living: 7% below national average
College Attainment: 36.7%
Net Migration (2016): 1,600
Des Moines is a major center for the insurance industry and maintains a sizable financial services and publishing business base.
The city is the headquarters for the Principal Financial Group, Meredith Corp., Ruan Transportation, EMC Insurance and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Home to the Iowa caucuses, Iowa’s capital city is a significant spot for campaigning in U.S. presidential politics and elections. The city is also home to Drake University and Grand View University, while Simpson College, Upper Iowa University and William Penn University also have satellite facilities within the area.
Des Moines plays host to a growing number of nationally-acclaimed cultural events, including the annual Des Moines Arts Festival and the World Food Festival. There are a number of art centers, parks and historical sites and museums that continue to enrich the city’s burgeoning cultural scene.