Des Moines Population 2026
Des Moines has a population of 214,133, making it the #109 biggest city in 🇺🇸 United States, located in Iowa. Roughly 0.1% of United States's population lives here. It is about 41× smaller than New York City, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
214,133
Rank in United States
#109
Coordinates
41.60°N, 93.61°W
~266 m elevation · America/Chicago
Distance to capital (Washington)
1,436 km
892 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Iowa
| City | Population | Rank in United States |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids | 130,405 | #217 |
| Davenport | 102,582 | #313 |
| Sioux City | 82,821 | #436 |
| Iowa City | 74,220 | #508 |
| Waterloo | 68,460 | #562 |
| Ames | 65,060 | #607 |
| West Des Moines | 64,113 | #623 |
| Council Bluffs | 62,597 | #640 |
Cities near Des Moines
FAQ
What is the population of Des Moines?
Des Moines has a population of 214,133 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #109 biggest city in United States.
What state is Des Moines in?
Des Moines is located in Iowa, United States.
Is Des Moines the capital of United States?
No, the capital of United States is Washington D.C., about 1,436 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
← All biggest cities in United States · United States population by year