Is Des Moines the region’s best-kept secret for affordability? Recent benchmarking data presented to the City Council this week suggests so, showing a younger population and lower property tax rates than many nearby municipalities.
However, maintaining that edge requires careful balance—a theme reflected in the city’s decision to trade flashy drone shows for a more sustainable 4th of July festival.
As the city prepares for a high-traffic weekend and new outreach efforts from the Mayor’s office, the focus remains on keeping Des Moines connected and cost-effective.
New 4th Of July Plans
The city will not hold another pricey drone show this Independence Day; instead, the money will be distributed to multiple events throughout the year. Assistant City Manager Adrienne Johnson-Newton shared some alternative activities staff have been planning in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary. According to Johnson-Newton, the event will cost “significantly less” than last year’s drone show.
Johnson-Newton said the family-friendly 4th of July event will be more of a daytime gathering, lasting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be live music, food vendors, and a dunk tank with members of the city council as well as the city manager volunteering to be dunked. More info to come as the summer approaches. In addition to city festivities, the weekly Des Moines Farmers Market and Des Moines Creek Parkrun will also be at the marina the same day.
Busy Saturday In Des Moines
City Manager Katherine Caffrey said there will be a recycling collection event for Des Moines residents this Saturday, Mar. 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. She said the event, which takes place in the south parking lot at the marina, is a great opportunity to clean out the garage.
Residents were mailed a description of everything that will be accepted, which includes things like tires, electronics, mattresses, and batteries. Things that will not be accepted include styrofoam blocks, old clothing, furniture, and window glass. Rain barrels, compost, and worm bins will be available to purchase for $25.
Also happening on Saturday the 28th is the third No Kings rally, which Caffrey said has always been well-managed. Deputy Mayor Gene Achziger added that this rally is expected to be more well-attended than ever. Drivers should be aware that there will be a crowd downtown. The rally, which is organized by Des Moines Indivisible, takes place at Big Catch Plaza from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Benchmarking Des Moines
The council heard a presentation from FCS Group on “benchmarking” various aspects of the city. Things like job numbers, property tax rates, and home prices were stacked up. Cities that Des Moines was compared with include Burien, Edmonds, Kenmore, Maple Valley, Mukilteo, Poulsbo, Seatac, University Place, Washougal, and West Linn. Comparison cities were meant to have a similar population size and other economic factors, although Seatac was off the charts in a few categories due to the airport jobs.
Des Moines has a population of 33,540. The population of the other cities ranged from 13,000 to 53,000. During the years between 2020 and 2025, the population of Des Moines grew by 0.4%, a bit lower than the average growth during the same time of 0.7%. The median age in Des Moines is 37.5, and trending younger, while the comparison cities trended older. This was said to be a testament to affordability in the city. Des Moines is among the most affordable of the peer cities, with a median home value of $590,894. The average home value of peer cities is $747,000.
Jobs in Des Moines are at 6,229, with most people leaving the city to work. However, the 5% annual job growth rate was the second highest among peer cities. It was mentioned that businesses bring in more revenue to a city than homes do, and a higher resident to job ratio means more cost to local government. Despite this, the city property tax rate of 0.851 remains lower than the peer average of 1.245. However, Des Moines residents pay more in taxes to other tax districts, such as schools and fire services.
Sales tax revenue in Des Moines is the second lowest of the peer group, per capita, with the city having very little retail. The general fund expenditure per resident is $779, compared with an average cost of $1,083. This is despite the city employing more FTEs, at 5.1 per 1,000 residents, versus an average of 4.7.
Coffee Chat With The Mayor
Mayor Yoshiko Grace Matsui said she will be available for a chat with the public on Monday Mar. 30, from 9am to 11am at Alina’s Cafe. She looks forward to hearing concerns, comments, and compliments from her constituents, and hopes to make this a regular thing.
