Greater Des Moines is vibrant, growing and boasts exceptional underlying fundamentals. Des Moines’ low cost of living, highly educated work force, and extremely business-friendly climate have resulted in robust employment growth of 16% from 2013-2023, exceeding the growth rate of its Midwest peers.
As one of the fastest growing metro areas in the Midwest, Des Moines has a force for attraction. With ample land for growth, steady population increase, environmentally friendly energy sources and a low risk for natural disaster, Des Moines attracts large and innovative businesses. In turn, it is a great city to support families and community growth.
DES MOINES QUICK FACTS
- Capital city and largest city in Iowa
- Located at the intersections of Interstate 80 and Interstate 35
- 4-mile, climate-controlled downtown skywalk system open 24/7 that connects hotels, restaurants, shopping, and employment
- 1,000+ locally-owned restaurants
- 800+ miles of biking and running trails
740,000
DES MOINES METRO AREA POPULATION
21%
POPULATION GROWTH SINCE 2010
$3B+
OF INVESTMENT IN THE DOWNTOWN DES MOINES DEVELOPMENT PIPELINE
2.9%
DES MOINES UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AS COMPARED TO THE NATIONAL AVERAGE OF 3.5%
#1
BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN THE MIDWEST FOR HIGH SALARIES & LOW COST OF LIVING
Ascent, 2021
#14
BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN THE US
US News & World Report, 2022
#5
BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN THE US FOR FAMILIES
US News & World Report, 2022
#4
MOST SUSTAINABLE METRO
Site-Selection, 2021
#2
SAFEST PLACE TO LIVE
US News & World Report, 2021
#7
MOST AFFORDABLE HOUSING MARKET
Goodhire, 2022
740,000
DES MOINES METRO AREA POPULATION
21%
POPULATION GROWTH SINCE 2010
$3B+
OF INVESTMENT IN THE DOWNTOWN DES MOINES DEVELOPMENT PIPELINE
2.9%
DES MOINES UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AS COMPARED TO THE NATIONAL AVERAGE OF 3.5%
#1
BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN THE MIDWEST FOR HIGH SALARIES & LOW COST OF LIVING
Ascent, 2021
#14
BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN THE US
US News & World Report, 2022
#5
BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN THE US FOR FAMILIES
US News & World Report, 2022
#4
MOST SUSTAINABLE METRO
Site-Selection, 2021
#2
SAFEST PLACE TO LIVE
US News & World Report, 2021
#7
MOST AFFORDABLE HOUSING MARKET
Goodhire, 2022
