How much does it cost to rent in West Des Moines, IA?

As of July 2026, the median monthly rent in West Des Moines, IA is $1,369. This figure is based on aggregated data from public sources and community-submitted rents.

Is West Des Moines cheaper than other Iowa cities?

West Des Moines is one of the pricier cities in Iowa, ranking #9 out of 32 cities tracked at $1,369/mo.

When was West Des Moines rent data last updated?

West Des Moines rent data reflects July 2026 and was last refreshed on July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.

City Report · IA

West Des Moines

Name: Average Rent Prices in West Des Moines, IA
Creator: RentDataNow
License: https://rentdatanow.com/terms-of-service

Pop. 71,083·9th most expensive in Iowa·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US

Median rent (all units)

$1,369/mo

Year-over-Year

+3.7%

Month-over-Month

+1.7%

vs US Median

-$596

Rising (Monthly)

Be the first to discuss West Des Moines rents ↓

Most AffordableMost Expensive

West Des Moines · $1,369

More affordable than 84% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo

Rent Reality Score

50/100

Fairly priced

OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where West Des Moines's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent

$1,369/mo

Expected by trend

$1,371/mo

The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where West Des Moines's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio

$1,040

1 BR

$1,110

2 BR

$1,325

3 BR

$1,775

4 BR+

$1,785

Research median

$1,325/mo

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

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost

$16,428/yr

At $1,369/mo median

Rent Market Meter

Strong Landlord's Market

Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market

Rents are up 3.7% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.

Based on rent-price momentum (+3.7% YoY, +1.7% MoM), not inventory.

Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

West Des Moines, IA is majority owner-occupied, 54.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population

71,083

Median income

$86,594

Median age

Renters

42.6%

Age distribution

21%

27.4%

24.9%

15.1%

Under 1821%

18–3427.4%

35–5424.9%

55–6411.6%

65+15.1%

Gender

49.2%

50.8%

Male49.2%

Female50.8%

Race & ethnicity

79.4%

White79.4%

Black5%

Hispanic6.5%

Asian6.4%

Other2.7%

Education (25+)

15.5%

25.8%

54.9%

No HS diploma3.7%

HS diploma15.5%

Some college25.8%

Bachelor's+54.9%

Housing tenure

57.4%

42.6%

Owner57.4%

Renter42.6%

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

2021 vs 2026

How West Des Moines, IA has changed in 5 years

Rent

$1,112 → $1,369

up 23.1%

Income

$76,564 → $86,594

up 13.1%

Population

67,640 → 71,083

up 5.1%

Renter share

41.5% → 42.6%

+1.1 pts

Bachelor's+

53.7% → 54.9%

+1.2 pts

Since 2021, the typical rent in West Des Moines, IA has climbed from $1,112 to $1,369, a 23.1% change over five years. Household income in the area moved from $76,564 to $86,594 across the same window, up 13.1% versus 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 5.1% since 2021, moving from about 67,640 residents to roughly 71,083. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in West Des Moines, IA look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

Discussions about West Des Moines

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

View West Des Moines rent history (2015–2026) →

Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in West Des Moines on your salary?

At $1,369/mo, how West Des Moines rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

Registered Nurse

Avg $86,922/yr · Rent = 18.9% income

very comfortable

Elementary School Teacher

Avg $61,714/yr · Rent = 26.6% income

affordable

Police Officer

Avg $71,088/yr · Rent = 23.1% income

affordable

Software Developer

Avg $127,061/yr · Rent = 12.9% income

very comfortable

Lawyer

Avg $162,352/yr · Rent = 10.1% income

very comfortable

Firefighter

Avg $57,785/yr · Rent = 28.4% income

affordable

Truck Driver

Avg $52,173/yr · Rent = 31.5% income

stretched

Electrician

Avg $64,308/yr · Rent = 25.5% income

affordable

By apartment size

West Des Moines rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in West Des Moines

About renting in West Des Moines, IA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in West Des Moines is $1,369/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,040/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,325/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,110/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,775/mo.

At 19% of local median household income ($86,594/yr), West Des Moines ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 3.7% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is West Des Moines an affordable city for renters?

West Des Moines is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,369/mo, rent takes approximately 19% of the local median household income ($86,594/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. West Des Moines falls comfortably within that range.

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

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $55,000/year (~$26/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,369/mo in West Des Moines. The local median household income is $86,594/yr, meaning the typical West Des Moines household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in West Des Moines?

Rent in West Des Moines has increased 3.7% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which West Des Moines neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in West Des Moines are 50265 ($1,326/mo), and 50266 ($1,380/mo). Citywide, the median rent in West Des Moines is $1,369/mo.

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

West Des Moines is one of the pricier cities in Iowa for rent, ranking #9 out of 32 tracked cities at $1,369/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than West Des Moines?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than West Des Moines ($1,369/mo): Des Moines ($1,121/mo), Norwalk ($1,189/mo), Urbandale ($1,197/mo).

What percentage of West Des Moines residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 42.6% of West Des Moines households are renters, while 57.4% are owner-occupied. West Des Moines leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does West Des Moines rent compare to the national average?

West Des Moines's median rent of $1,369/mo is $596 (30%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Iowa, it ranks #9 out of 32 tracked cities.

Income Affordability

19%

VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,369/mo, rent takes ~19% of West Des Moines's median household income ($86,594/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

West Des Moines 19%Benchmark 30%

State income tax3.8%

Run the West Des Moines affordability calculator →

Nearby cities