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