Des Moines, Iowa scores 72.8/100 on ReloCompare™, indicating a solid overall quality of life across key metrics. With 213,164 residents, it's a mid-size city that balances urban amenities with a more manageable pace of life. Housing is notably affordable here — the home price-to-income ratio of 2.7x is well below the national average, making homeownership realistic for many residents. The area has seen 10 federally declared disasters over 20 years, representing moderate natural risk.
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Get Free Moving Quotes →Des Moines's strongest attributes are safety and affordability, where it outperforms many comparable cities. Overall, Des Moines may be the best fit for budget-conscious families, safety-conscious retirees.