Median Income
$60,938
19% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
62/100K
84% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.6%
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Des Moines Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population92
Median Age46.2 yrs
Density106/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 38%
Veterans61.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,938
Per Capita$33,460
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$178M
Housing
Ownership73.3%
Zillow$151,873
Housing Units78
Rent Burden25.7%
Crime
F
Violent62/100K
Property3,300/100K
Health
Obesity35.0%
Uninsured17.1%
Smoking15.8%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain17.6 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation6,635 ft (2,022 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.6%
High School+85.2%
Graduate+5.3%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Broadband45.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Des Moines a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Des Moines receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Des Moines has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Des Moines is $60,938, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Des Moines is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 62 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,300 per 100,000, 68% above the national average.
Education
24.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Des Moines experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.6 inches, including 40.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Des Moines has a population of 92 with a density of 106 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 46.2 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.3% female and 58.7% male. The city is predominantly White (38%), with 2.2% Hispanic, 3.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 78.7% of residents, while 21.3% speak Spanish. 61.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.2yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Des Moines vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
78.7%
0% below US avg
Spanish
21.3%
59% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Des Moines vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Des Moines is $60,938, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,460 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $893, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 182 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 28.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Des Moines vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,938 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,460 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $893 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $44,577 |
| Gini Index | 0.412 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 182 |
| County GDP | $178M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,300 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 71.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 28.6% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $151,873. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 78 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $1,300 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.7% |
| Housing Units | 78 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,300 |
| 63% below US avg |
In Des Moines, 35.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 15.1% report binge drinking. 27.5% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 17.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,107. 69.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Des Moines vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.5% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 17.1% |
| 99% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,107 |
| Mental Health | 1:117 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.7% |
| Dental Visits | 55.8% |
| Premature Death | 12,002/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Des Moines has a violent crime rate of 62 per 100,000 residents, 84% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,300 per 100,000, 68% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Des Moines receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Des Moines vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 62.0/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,299.8/100K |
| 68% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Des Moines experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 17.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 40.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 6,635 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 49.4°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 6,635 ft (2,022 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 106/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.7613°N, 103.8341°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Union County County |
| Nearest Airport | Taos Regional (TSM)
104 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.6"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.27"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 12.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 83.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 10.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
333 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M3.4 on Jun 28, 2025.
| Aug 23, 2011 |
6 km S of Valdez, Colorado |
M5.3 |
84 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M5.0 |
91 km |
| Aug 22, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Starkville, Colorado |
M4.7 |
71 km |
| Sep 5, 2001 |
0 km SE of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.5 |
82 km |
| Mar 22, 2004 |
30 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
91 km |
| Jan 3, 2007 |
8 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
100 km |
| Aug 1, 2004 |
31 km S of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M4.3 |
114 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
6 km NNE of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.3 |
92 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km SSW of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.1 |
90 km |
| Jun 19, 2023 |
Colorado |
M4.1 |
84 km |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
32 km NNE of Cimarron, New Mexico |
M4.1 |
89 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
7 km S of Valdez, Colorado |
M4.0 |
83 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
20 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M4.0 |
83 km |
| Feb 6, 2016 |
Colorado |
M4.0 |
106 km |
| Aug 26, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.0 |
100 km |
| Sep 4, 2001 |
2 km W of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.0 |
84 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
7 km WSW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.9 |
104 km |
| Aug 23, 2016 |
18 km SSW of Weston, CO |
M3.9 |
102 km |
| Sep 16, 2011 |
26 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
82 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
5 km N of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
112 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 46 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 1964 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| May 31, 2010 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2010 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2010 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1965 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1962 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1961 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2014 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2014 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2010 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2010 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 15, 2003 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1998 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1996 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1996 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1992 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1988 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1983 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1979 |
EF1 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRIDGER (46,612 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
BRIDGER |
46,612 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
GLADSTONE |
44,125 |
73 km |
| 2011 |
BEAR SPRINGS CALLIE MARIE |
36,863 |
90 km |
| 2011 |
TRACK |
28,893 |
57 km |
| 2018 |
STATELINE |
28,533 |
71 km |
| 2022 |
MITCHELL |
23,220 |
97 km |
| 2011 |
RABBIT EAR |
21,569 |
61 km |
| 2005 |
GLADSTONE |
16,794 |
43 km |
| 2006 |
CLAPHAM |
14,696 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
SHELL COMPLEX |
14,158 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
CHERRY CANYON |
11,823 |
82 km |
| 1996 |
FARLEY |
10,456 |
59 km |
| 1996 |
CANYON |
10,233 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
CALLIE MARIE |
9,393 |
93 km |
| 2002 |
FURNISH |
8,862 |
68 km |
| 1996 |
RABBIT |
8,457 |
59 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
8,454 |
38 km |
| 2006 |
FERGUSON |
8,226 |
44 km |
| 2002 |
JAMES AND JOHN |
7,190 |
61 km |
| 2016 |
CLAVEL |
7,115 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
Des Moines has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 30°F in December to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Des Moines. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$231 ($138–$369) |
| Specialist Visit |
$323 ($184–$507) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92–$323) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,028 ($738–$4,610) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$120 ($69–$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$231 ($138–$369) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$277 ($138–$461) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$553 ($369–$922) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92–$323) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55–$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46–$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$369 ($138–$738) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,454 ($3,688–$11,064) |
| Roof Repair |
$922 ($369–$1,844) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,298 ($5,071–$13,830) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,383 ($461–$3,227) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,830 ($4,610–$27,660) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,610 ($1,844–$9,220) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,383 ($738–$2,766) |
| Will Preparation |
$461 ($184–$922) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,305 ($922–$4,610) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69–$231) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$120) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.78 ($2.77–$5.07) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.23 ($2.31–$4.61) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.50 ($2.31–$5.07) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.15 ($2.77–$5.99) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.07 ($3.69–$6.92) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55–$1.66) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74–$231) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46–$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69–$461) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,844 ($1,106–$3,227) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$120) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.38–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28–$231) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,106 ($553–$2,305) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$922 ($461–$1,844) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$369 ($184–$645) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$922 ($369–$2,305) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,525 ($4,610–$27,660) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46–$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$277 ($138–$461) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92–$369) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Des Moines
What is the population of Des Moines?
Des Moines has a population of 92 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 106 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.3% female and 58.7% male.
Is Des Moines expensive to live in?
Des Moines is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $60,938, 19% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Des Moines safe?
Des Moines is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 62 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,300 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Des Moines receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Des Moines?
Des Moines has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.6 inches, with 40.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Des Moines?
The job market in Des Moines is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $893. There are 182 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Des Moines?
Schools in Des Moines score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.6% of adults in Des Moines hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.2% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Des Moines?
The obesity rate in Des Moines is 35.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 27.5% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 17.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 69.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,107.
What are the demographics of Des Moines?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Des Moines is 38% White, 3.3% Black or African American, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 78.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 21.3% speak Spanish. 61.0% of the population are military veterans. 23.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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