Des Moines , the capital of Iowa is also known as the "City of Sky walks" and as "Raccoon City". Located in Polk County, the city of Des Moines is named after the River Des Moines, literally meaning "The River of the Monks", alluding to the Trappist Monks who stayed there earlier. With an area of 200 sq.km, Des Moines is the 92 nd most populous city in the US.
Des Moines is the center of governance and industrial activities. Des Moines is also famed for it's varied cultural history.
Des Moines is ranked as the fourth Best Place for Business by the Forbes Magazine. It is a major hub for Insurance Agencies. The city has a major financial services industry. It is the headquarters for the Wells Fargo, ING Group, Principal Financial Group and the Meredith Corporation. Des Moines is also a popular base for American Publishing Houses.
Demographic Information about Des Moines
According to the US Census of 2000, there were approximately 198,682 people in Des Moines Iowa . The population density was 1,012 persons per sq.km. 82.29% of the city's population are White Americans, 8.07% are African Americans and the remaining are Native Americans, Asian and Pacific Islanders. 6.61% of the population is of Hispanic origin. There 93.8 males for every 100 females.
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The average income for a household in Des Moines was $38,408 and the per capita income was $19,467. Of the total population, 11.4% were below the poverty line.
Climate in Des Moines
Des Moines has a temperate type of climate with distinct changes in weather for season. Summers generally last from April to early October. Humidity is high and there is also high precipitation in the months of May and June. Des Moines is prone to tornadoes and the season might bring about unstable weather on occasion. Autumn is drier and still sunny, providing visitors ample scope to enjoy the fall weather. In winter, the weather is wet and cold. There is average snowfall of about 30 inches and subzero temperatures are a common feature.
Local Attractions in Des Moines
- Iowa State Fair Grounds
- Iowa State Capitol , capped with a gorgeous gold leaf dome
- Terrace Hill , Governor's Residence
- Kruidenier Trail bridge
- Fort Des Moines Museum
- The Blank Park Zoo
- Des Moines Botanical Center
- Downtown Farmer's Market
- Des Moines Riverwalk
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