Des Moines County
IA · Pop. 38,597 · Suburban County
Des Moines County is a suburban county in Iowa, spanning 416 square miles with 38,597 residents at a density of 92.8 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on corn, soybeans, hay. A median home price of $137,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.53% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 191-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.6°F and average winter lows of 18°F. Annual rainfall averages 36.8 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Great River Medical Center is 7.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 97% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 191-day growing season in USDA zone 6a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $137,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 97% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Great River Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 7.4 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.53% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
At a glance
Des Moines County, IA is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 58/100
- Median home price
- $137k
- Property tax
- 1.53%
- Growing season
- 191 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 36.8"
- Broadband
- 97%
- Nearest hospital
- Great River Medical Center, 7.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Des Moines County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Des Moines County?
- Des Moines County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 191-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.6°F, and average winter lows of 18°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $137,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.53%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 97% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Great River Medical Center is 7.4 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
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More counties in Iowa
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The closest counties to Des Moines County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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