Des Moines, IA
50309
Polk County County · Iowa · Pop. 18,420
Last updated: May 2026
Des Moines, Iowa (ZIP code 50309) is home to approximately 18,420 residents. The median household income in 50309 is $55,199, which is 22% below the national average of $70,784. The cost of living in 50309 is reflected in its housing market - the median home value is $155,054 and the average rent is $952/month. 50309 has a violent crime rate of 426.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 12% above the national average - earning it a safety grade of A. 50309 is served by with an average school rating of 4.7/10. Air quality in 50309 is rated Good with an average AQI of 44. The average commute time in 50309 is 22 minutes, 5 minutes below the national average. Compare 50309 vs national averages and nearby neighborhoods using our free ZipScore intelligence platform.
On This Page
👥 Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
💰 Income & Economy
Affordability Assessment: Renters in this area spend approximately 21% of their income on rent, which is considered very affordable. Home prices are very affordable relative to income (2.8x ratio).
🏠 Housing
🔒 Safety & Crime
Des Moines (50309) has violent crime rates close to the national average. Exercise normal precautions as you would in any US city.
🎓 Schools & Education
Top Schools in 50309
| School | Type | Rating | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines Charter School | public | 5/10 | 801 |
| Washington High School | public | 5/10 | 775 |
| Lincoln Elementary | public | 4/10 | 657 |
🌡️ Climate & Weather
🌫️ Air Quality
⚠️ Natural Disaster Risk
🚗 Commute
Nearby ZIP Codes
Compare 50309 With Another ZIP
Pros and Cons of Living in Des Moines, IA (50309)
Based on crime, housing, income, schools, and air quality data
✅ Pros
- + Affordable housing - median home value $155,054 (below national average of $303,400)
- + Affordable rent - average $952/month vs national $1,163/month
- + Good air quality - average AQI of 44 (rated "Good" by EPA standards)
- + Low natural disaster risk - minimal risk of flooding, earthquakes, and severe weather
⚠️ Cons
No significant concerns identified based on available data.
Data sourced from US Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, and EPA. Individual experiences may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions about ZIP Code 50309
What is the population of 50309? ▼
The population of ZIP code 50309 in Des Moines, Iowa is approximately 18,420 people.
Is 50309 safe to live in? ▼
Des Moines (50309) has violent crime rates close to the national average. Exercise normal precautions as you would in any US city. Safety Grade: A.
What is the median income in 50309? ▼
The median household income in 50309 (Des Moines, Iowa) is $55,199. The per capita income is $35,879. The US national median household income is $70,784.
What is the cost of living in 50309? ▼
Renters in this area spend approximately 21% of their income on rent, which is considered very affordable. Home prices are very affordable relative to income (2.8x ratio). Median home value: $155,054. Average rent: $952/month.
What are schools like in 50309? ▼
Schools in 50309 receive an Education Grade of F. There are 3 schools with an average rating of 4.7/10 and a student-teacher ratio of 25:1. See the full schools section above for individual school listings.
What is the crime rate in 50309? ▼
The violent crime rate in 50309 is 426.0 per 100,000 residents, which is above the national average of 380.7. Property crime rate: 2707.0 per 100k (national avg: 1,958.2).
What is the average rent in 50309? ▼
The median monthly rent in 50309 (Des Moines, Iowa) is $952/month. The national median rent is $1,163/month. This ZIP code is more affordable than the national average for renters.
What is the median home value in 50309? ▼
The median home value in 50309 (Des Moines, Iowa) is $155,054. The national median home value is $303,400. Homes in this ZIP code are more affordable than the national average.
Is 50309 a good place to live? ▼
50309 (Des Moines, Iowa) has a ZipScore of 57/100 - our composite score based on safety (25%), affordability (20%), schools (15%), air quality (10%), climate (10%), commute (10%), and disaster risk (10%). This area has some advantages but also tradeoffs - review each section.
What is the air quality in 50309? ▼
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in 50309 is 44 - rated Good by EPA standards. Average PM2.5 level: 7.7 µg/m³.
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), FBI Uniform Crime Report, EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index, and Open-Meteo. Last updated: May 2026