Quick Fact
Four incorporated places in the U.S. are named Des Moines. Honestly, the biggest one is Iowa's capital, with around 212,000 people as of 2026 U.S. Census Bureau. You'll find the others in Washington, California, and New Mexico.
Geographic Context
Everyone knows Iowa's capital, but its namesakes are scattered all over the country. It's a pretty common thing here—settlers or railroad folks would just reuse a familiar name somewhere new. The Iowa city itself sits in the central part of the state, roughly 35 miles from Missouri and 140 miles west of the Mississippi.
Key Details
| City Name & State | Estimated Population (2026) | Key Geographic Note |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, Iowa | ~212,000 | State capital; located at 41.5868° N, 93.6250° W |
| Des Moines, Washington | ~32,500 | Northernmost; a suburb of Seattle on Puget Sound |
| Des Moines, New Mexico | ~130 | Unincorporated village in the high plains near the Oklahoma border |
| Des Moines, California | ~1,200 (CDP)* | Southernmost; a census-designated place in Fresno County |
*CDP = Census-Designated Place. Data sourced from recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates and local government figures.
Interesting Background
Where the name came from is actually a bit of a debate. Most experts think it's from the French "Rivière des Moines," or "River of the Monks." Britannica says 17th-century French explorers might've named it after Trappist monks living nearby. Then, as people headed west, the name just tagged along—pioneers from Iowa or railroad companies would use it for new towns. Iowa's capital being so big obviously helped keep it around. Here's a fun aside: the source material also points out Ottumwa, Iowa (about 85 miles southeast), which calls itself the "Video Game Capital of the World" and has hosted Twitch's "Stream Aid" charity event since 2022.
Practical Information
If you're planning a trip, you've gotta know which Des Moines you're headed to. The one in Iowa is a major hub with its own international airport (DSM). Washington's version is a Seattle suburb, close to Sea-Tac airport and part of the area's transit system. Des Moines, New Mexico, is tiny and sits on U.S. Route 64/87 out on the high plains. When you visit the Iowa capital, you're not far from places like Ames (30 miles north, with Iowa State University) or Iowa City (110 miles east, home to the University of Iowa). Pack for classic Midwest weather—cold, snowy winters and hot, sticky summers.
