Des Moines

The City in Brief

Founded: 1843 (incorporated, 1851; chartered 1857)

Head Official: Mayor Frank Cownie (since 2004)

City Population

1980: 191,000

1990: 193,189

2000: 198,682

2003 estimate: 196,093

Percent change, 1990–2000: 2.8%

U.S. rank in 1980: 74th

U.S. rank in 1990: 80th

U.S. rank in 2000: 106th (State rank: 1st)

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 368,000

1990: 392,928

2000: 456,022

Percent change, 1990–2000: 16.1%

U.S. rank in 1980: 86th

U.S. rank in 1990: Not reported

U.S. rank in 2000: 91st

Area: 76 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 838 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 49.7° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 33.12 inches of rain, 33.3 inches of snow

Major Economic Sectors: Services; trade; finance, insurance, and real estate; government; manufacturing

Unemployment Rate: 5.1% (March 2005)

Per Capita Income: $19,467 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 13,776

Major Colleges and Universities: Drake University, Grand View College, Des Moines University

Daily Newspaper: The Des Moines Register