Des Moines Iowa Map

About Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines is a locality in Polk County, Iowa, United States. With a population of 570,091, Des Moines is a major urban centre in Iowa. The population density is 930.5 people per km². Des Moines is located at 41.6005°N, 93.6091°W. It observes the Central Time (America/Chicago) timezone. ZIP code: 50309.

Des Moines unfolds across a landscape of rolling plains, its heart shaped by the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, a meeting of waters that has long dictated the pulse of the region. It lies 5.5 miles east-north-east of West Des Moines, IA (from West Des Moines, IA: bearing 73°T), and is situated 8.9 miles south of Ankeny. The land here is a study in subtle topography, gentle swells giving way to broad, open vistas where the sky feels immense, especially in the early morning when a soft, diffused light spills across the fields. The air, particularly in the late summer, carries the faint, sweet scent of ripening corn, a perfume that mingles with the clean, crispness that often heralds a change in season. This is a place where the horizon feels close enough to touch, and the very character of Des Moines seems to echo that proximity to the earth, a groundedness that permeates its streets and its people. The history of Des Moines is deeply entwined with the fertile soil of Iowa and the westward expansion of the United States, its origins as a frontier outpost evolving into a center of commerce and agriculture. Founded by the U.S. Army as Fort Des Moines in 1843 to protect and control the Native American tribes in the area, it quickly grew into a bustling hub for the surrounding agricultural communities. The economy of Des Moines remains robust, drawing strength from its strong insurance industry, a significant presence in financial services, and its enduring connection to agribusiness, with fields of golden corn and soybeans stretching out from its edges like a vast, living carpet. This blend of established industries and a forward-looking approach to innovation has allowed Des Moines to maintain a steady, dependable rhythm of growth, a quiet testament to its enduring spirit. Culturally, Des Moines offers a surprising breadth of experiences that belie its Midwestern roots, a vibrancy that can be felt in its thriving arts scene and its dedication to community. While the city does not boast professional teams in the major national leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL, it proudly supports the Iowa Energy in the NBA G League and has a dedicated following for its MLS team, Des Moines Menace. The Iowa State Fair, a beloved annual event, draws throngs each August with its iconic butter cow, thrilling rides, and a palpable sense of Midwestern camaraderie. Among its world-famous landmarks, the Iowa State Capitol building, with its gleaming gold dome, stands as a beacon of civic pride, while the Pappajohn Sculpture Park showcases impressive public art against a backdrop of urban green space. The city's cultural landscape is further enriched by renowned educational institutions like Drake University and Iowa State University, and has been the birthplace or adopted home of notable figures such as musician Corey Taylor and author Bill Bryson, individuals whose work has resonated far beyond the borders of Des Moines.

About This Des Moines Map Page

This page provides an interactive Google map of Des Moines, Iowa with street, satellite and terrain views and integrated Street View imagery. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Des Moines and Polk County.

Detailed location data for Des Moines includes the ZIP code (50309), telephone area code (515), county seat of Polk County (Des Moines), and school district assignment (Des Moines Independent Community School District). These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Des Moines is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.