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City Report · IA

Des Moines

Pop. 212,421·22nd most expensive in Iowa·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,121/mo
Year-over-Year
+1.4%
Month-over-Month
-1.5%
vs US Median
-$844
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Des Moines · $1,121
More affordable than 95% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
60/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 5% below what Des Moines's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,121/mo
Expected by trend
$1,182/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Des Moines's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$909
1 BR
$970
2 BR
$1,158
3 BR
$1,553
4 BR+
$1,559
Research median
$1,158/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$13,452/yr
At $1,121/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (+1.4% YoY, -1.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Des Moines, IA is majority owner-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 29.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
212,421
Median income
$65,932
Median age
34.6
Renters
39.5%
Age distribution
23.2%
27.6%
24.7%
12.7%
Under 1823.2%
18–3427.6%
35–5424.7%
55–6411.8%
65+12.7%
Gender
50%
50%
Male50%
Female50%
Race & ethnicity
64.1%
16.3%
White64.1%
Black11.3%
Hispanic16.3%
Asian6.6%
Other1.7%
Education (25+)
13%
28.3%
29%
29.7%
No HS diploma13%
HS diploma28.3%
Some college29%
Bachelor's+29.7%
Housing tenure
60.5%
39.5%
Owner60.5%
Renter39.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Des Moines, IA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$964 → $1,121
up 16.3%
Income
$58,444 → $65,932
up 12.8%
Population
213,545 → 212,421
down 0.5%
Renter share
40% → 39.5%
-0.5 pts
Bachelor's+
28.1% → 29.7%
+1.6 pts

The median rent in Des Moines, IA stood at $964 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,121, reflecting a 16.3% increase over the period. Household income in the area moved from $58,444 to $65,932 across the same window, up 12.8% versus 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Des Moines, IA look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

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View Des Moines rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Des Moines on your salary?

At $1,121/mo, how Des Moines rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Des Moines rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Des Moines. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Des Moines

About renting in Des Moines, IA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Des Moines is $1,121/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $909/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,158/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $970/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,553/mo.

At 20% of local median household income ($65,932/yr), Des Moines ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 1.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Des Moines an affordable city for renters?

Des Moines is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,121/mo, rent takes approximately 20% of the local median household income ($65,932/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Des Moines falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Des Moines?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $45,000/year (~$22/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,121/mo in Des Moines. The local median household income is $65,932/yr, meaning the typical Des Moines household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Des Moines?

Rent in Des Moines has increased 1.4% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Des Moines neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Des Moines are 50311 ($908/mo), 50314 ($926/mo), and 50321 ($951/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Des Moines is $1,121/mo.

How does Des Moines rent compare to other cities in Iowa?

Des Moines is one of the more affordable cities in Iowa for rent, ranking #22 out of 32 tracked cities at $1,121/mo.

What percentage of Des Moines residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 39.5% of Des Moines households are renters, while 60.5% are owner-occupied. Des Moines leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Des Moines rent compare to the national average?

Des Moines's median rent of $1,121/mo is $844 (43%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Iowa, it ranks #22 out of 32 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
20%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,121/mo, rent takes ~20% of Des Moines's median household income ($65,932/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Des Moines 20%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.8%
Run the Des Moines affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Des Moines
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Des Moines, IA

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