Polk County, IA

Livability

directions_bike Bikeability 1/10
directions_run Walkability 1/10
directions_bus Transit 1/10
directions_car Commute 8/10
home Housing 7/10
visibility Safety 6/10
local_library Schools 8/10
local_airport Airports 2/10
school Colleges 7/10
accessibility Hospitals 7/10
directions_bike Bikeability
Not Bikeable. The area lacks biking infrastructure and has unsafe or impractical conditions for cyclists, requiring alternative transportation methods.
directions_run Walkability
Not Walkable. The area is heavily car-dependent, with almost no amenities within walking distance or pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
directions_car Commute
Convenient Commutes. Commutes are manageable, with reasonable travel times and access to reliable transportation options.
directions_bus Transit
Very Limited Access. The area has little to no public transportation infrastructure, making it difficult to travel without a personal vehicle.
home Housing
Moderately Priced. The area has a balanced cost of living, with housing and rent costs that are neither particularly high nor low.
visibility Safety
Moderately Safe. The area experiences moderate crime levels; while safe in many aspects, some caution may be necessary.
local_airport Airports
Remote. Airport access is highly inconvenient or impractical, requiring extensive travel arrangements.
accessibility Hospitals
Adequate Access. Healthcare facilities are available within a reasonable distance, but options may be limited in number or specialization.
school Colleges
Moderately Accessible. Colleges are available within a reasonable distance, but options may be more limited in number or quality.
local_library Schools
Academic Excellence. High-performing schools with excellent test scores, strong graduation rates, and consistent college readiness. These schools regularly exceed state standards.

Residents

Population
497,441 332.4M (US)
Median Age
36.2 yr 39 yr (US)
Family Households
60.8% 64% (US)
College-Educated
39.5% 35% (US)

Economy

Median Income
$81,621 $79K (US)
Above Poverty
90.2% 88% (US)
Average Commute
22 mi 29 mi (US)
Moved Recently
14.5% 13% (US)

Housing

Median Home
$248,400 $303K (US)
Median Expenses
$698 $612 (US)
Median Rent
$975 $1,165 (US)
Owner-Occupied
63.1% 58% (US)

Crime

Violent Crime Score

Likelihood of experiencing crime involving violence or threats.

How the Violent Crime Score here compares with other places

Des Moines-West Des Moines Metro Area
4
Iowa
3
United States
4

Property Crime Score

Likelihood of experiencing theft, burglary, or property damage.

How the Property Crime Score here compares with other places

Des Moines-West Des Moines Metro Area
5
Iowa
4
United States
4

Climate

Month Rain (in) Snow (in) Temp (°F)
Jan 1 7 20
Feb 1 6 25
Mar 2 4 37
Apr 4 1 49
May 5 0 60
Jun 5 0 70
Jul 5 0 74
Aug 4 0 72
Sep 3 0 64
Oct 3 0 51
Nov 2 1 37
Dec 1 7 24

Hazards

Inland Flood Risk

Tornado Risk

Politics

Historical Voting Patterns

This place is a Democratic stronghold, with 53% of residents leaning left and 42% leaning right.

Liberal (54%) (43%) Conservative

2016 Presidential Election Results

Donald Trump 41%
Hillary Clinton 52%
Other 7%

Related Legislative Districts

Congressional District 3, IA State Senate District 21, IA State House District 42, IA
See all legislative districts in this place

Schools

Woodside Middle School
2 miles, W • 3.7 star
Saydel High School
3 miles, W • 4.6 star
Southeast Elementary School
3 miles, N • 4.6 star
Cornell Elementary School
3 miles, W • 3.7 star
Browse all schools near Des Moines-West Des Moines Metro Area

Colleges

Des Moines Area Community College
3 miles, NW • 1.9 star
Grand View University
5 miles, SW • 2.3 star
Browse all colleges near Des Moines-West Des Moines Metro Area

Hospitals

Broadlawns Medical Center
6 miles, SW • 3.2 star
Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center
7 miles, SW • 3.2 star
Browse all hospitals near Des Moines-West Des Moines Metro Area

Airports

Des Moines International Airport
12 miles, SW • 2.3 star
Waterloo Regional Airport
85 miles, NE • 1 star
The Eastern Iowa Airport
97 miles, E • 1.4 star
Eppley Airfield
123 miles, W • 2.8 star
Browse all airports near Des Moines-West Des Moines Metro Area