Des Moines, IA
50311
Polk County County · Iowa · Pop. 29,480
Last updated: June 2026
Des Moines, Iowa (ZIP code 50311) is home to approximately 29,480 residents. The median household income in 50311 is $64,233, which is 9% below the national average of $70,784. The cost of living in 50311 is reflected in its housing market - the median home value is $306,136 and the average rent is $1,284/month. 50311 has a violent crime rate of 203.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 47% below the national average - earning it a safety grade of A+. 50311 is served by with an average school rating of 7.2/10. Air quality in 50311 is rated Good with an average AQI of 42.9. The average commute time in 50311 is 21 minutes, 6 minutes below the national average. Compare 50311 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 24% of their income on rent, which is considered very affordable. Home prices are moderately affordable at 4.8x the median income.
🏠 Housing
🔒 Safety & Crime
Des Moines (50311) has lower-than-average violent crime rates - 47% below the national average - making it a relatively safe place to live.
🎓 Schools & Education
Top Schools in 50311
| School | Type | Rating | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington High School | public | 7/10 | 825 |
🌡️ Climate & Weather
🌫️ Air Quality
⚠️ Natural Disaster Risk
🚗 Commute
Nearby ZIP Codes
Compare 50311 With Another ZIP
Pros and Cons of Living in Des Moines, IA (50311)
Based on crime, housing, income, schools, and air quality data
✅ Pros
- + Low crime rate - violent crime is 47% below the national average
- + Good air quality - average AQI of 42.9 (rated "Good" by EPA standards)
- + Strong schools - average school rating 7.2/10
- + 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 50311
What is the population of 50311? ▼
The population of ZIP code 50311 in Des Moines, Iowa is approximately 29,480 people.
Is 50311 safe to live in? ▼
Des Moines (50311) has lower-than-average violent crime rates - 47% below the national average - making it a relatively safe place to live. Safety Grade: A+.
What is the median income in 50311? ▼
The median household income in 50311 (Des Moines, Iowa) is $64,233. The per capita income is $41,751. The US national median household income is $70,784.
What is the cost of living in 50311? ▼
Renters in this area spend approximately 24% of their income on rent, which is considered very affordable. Home prices are moderately affordable at 4.8x the median income. Median home value: $306,136. Average rent: $1,284/month.
What are schools like in 50311? ▼
Schools in 50311 receive an Education Grade of C+. There are 1 schools with an average rating of 7.2/10 and a student-teacher ratio of 21:1. See the full schools section above for individual school listings.
What is the crime rate in 50311? ▼
The violent crime rate in 50311 is 203.0 per 100,000 residents, which is below the national average of 380.7. Property crime rate: 1667.0 per 100k (national avg: 1,958.2).
What is the average rent in 50311? ▼
The median monthly rent in 50311 (Des Moines, Iowa) is $1,284/month. The national median rent is $1,163/month.
What is the median home value in 50311? ▼
The median home value in 50311 (Des Moines, Iowa) is $306,136. The national median home value is $303,400.
Is 50311 a good place to live? ▼
50311 (Des Moines, Iowa) has a ZipScore of 66/100 - our composite score based on safety (25%), affordability (20%), schools (15%), air quality (10%), climate (10%), commute (10%), and disaster risk (10%). This is a good neighborhood with solid fundamentals.
What is the air quality in 50311? ▼
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in 50311 is 42.9 - 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: June 2026