Rents are right about where West Des Moines's 10-year trend predicts.
Rent by unit size
These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,353 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.
Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →
12-month history
Last updated: August 17, 2026
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Who lives here
West Des Moines, IA is majority owner-occupied, 54.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How West Des Moines, IA has changed in 5 years
Since 2021, the typical rent in West Des Moines, IA has climbed from $1,112 to $1,353, a 21.7% 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.
Discussions about West Des Moines
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Can you afford rent in West Des Moines on your salary?
At $1,353/mo, how West Des Moines rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
West Des Moines rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in West Des Moines. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in West Des Moines
Last updated: August 17, 2026
The median rent in West Des Moines is $1,353/mo as of August 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 2.5% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
Is West Des Moines an affordable city for renters?
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How does West Des Moines rent compare to other cities in Iowa?
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What percentage of West Des Moines residents rent vs. own?
How does West Des Moines rent compare to the national average?
At $1,353/mo, rent takes ~19% of West Des Moines's median household income ($86,594/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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