This was 7.5 percent lower than the state average of 46.8 percent. In 2020 the total municipality population reached 31,983.
87.1 percent of the population had at least a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Degree distribution in Des Moines for 2020*
| Degree | Number of people | Percentage of population |
|---|---|---|
| No degree | 2,952 | 12.9 |
| Regular high school diploma | 5,144 | 22.4 |
| GED or alternative credential | 611 | 2.7 |
| Some college, less than 1 year | 1,327 | 5.8 |
| Some college, 1 or more years, no degree | 3,898 | 17 |
| Associate's degree | 2,392 | 10.4 |
| Bachelor's degree | 4,530 | 19.7 |
| Master's degree | 1,456 | 6.3 |
| Professional school degree | 346 | 1.5 |
| Doctorate degree | 310 | 1.3 |
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