Des Moines, IA town hall & government
Des Moines spent $709.5 million in the year to June 30, 2024, about $3,362 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach Des Moines's government.
Where Des Moines's money goes
Where the money comes from
- Fees & charges 26%
- Property taxes 26%
- Utility sales 13%
- Sales taxes 11%
- From the federal government 10%
- Interest, fines & other 9%
- From the state 5%
- Other taxes & licenses 1%
- From other local governments <1%
Who works for Des Moines
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2025. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate.
Des Moines Independent Community School District
Des Moines's K–12 school district, shared with Windsor Heights. It is its own government, with a budget separate from the town's.
Where the district's money comes from Iowa districts overall: 43% local, 49% state, 8% federal
- Local 30%
- State 56%
- Federal 13%
Of the $15,990 per pupil, $8,652 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
Also serving Des Moines: Carlisle Community School District ($11,860 per pupil) · Southeast Polk Community School District ($13,373 per pupil).
Which schools Des Moines kids attend, test scores and graduation rate →
What homeowners in Des Moines pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact Des Moines's government
Who represents Des Moines
Des Moines is represented in Congress by Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst and Representatives Zachary Nunn and Mariannette Miller-Meeks. Kim Reynolds is governor.
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.