U.S. News: Des Moines is Richest Metro Area

Des Moines is the richest metropolitan area in the U.S., according to U.S. & World Report News. According to the report, Des Moines has the highest median income in the nation relative to the cost of living.

Incomes were computed using median household incomes and the cost of living index (COLI), as measured by the Council for Community Economic Research. This index takes into account prices of basic goods and services, as well as common expenses.

According to 2009 figures, Des Moines had a COLI of 90.6 (100 is average) and a median household income of $56,576, leading to an "adjusted median
income" of $62,446.

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