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City Report · WA

Des Moines

Pop. 32,823·58th most expensive in Washington·Rental market data updated monthly for Des Moines, WA
Median rent (all units)
$2,013/mo
Year-over-Year
+2.9%
Month-over-Month
+2.5%
vs US Median
+$48
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Des Moines · $2,013
More expensive than 60% 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
$2,013/mo
Expected by trend
$2,116/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
$1,990
1 BR
$2,050
2 BR
$2,390
3 BR
$3,160
4 BR+
$3,680
Research median
$2,390/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
$24,156/yr
At $2,013/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 2.9% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+2.9% YoY, +2.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Des Moines, WA is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 33.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
32,823
Median income
$92,483
Median age
38
Renters
39.4%
Age distribution
22.2%
23.1%
26.9%
17.4%
Under 1822.2%
18–3423.1%
35–5426.9%
55–6410.3%
65+17.4%
Gender
48.1%
51.9%
Male48.1%
Female51.9%
Race & ethnicity
46.6%
12.8%
19.8%
12%
White46.6%
Black12.8%
Hispanic19.8%
Asian12%
Other8.7%
Education (25+)
25.7%
30.3%
33.4%
No HS diploma10.5%
HS diploma25.7%
Some college30.3%
Bachelor's+33.4%
Housing tenure
60.6%
39.4%
Owner60.6%
Renter39.4%

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

2022 vs 2026

How Des Moines, WA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,731 → $2,013
up 16.3%
Income
$73,131 → $92,483
up 26.5%
Population
32,631 → 32,823
up 0.6%
Renter share
41.1% → 39.4%
-1.7 pts
Bachelor's+
29.4% → 33.4%
+4.0 pts
Median age
38.6 → 38
-0.6 yrs

Rent in Des Moines, WA has climbed 16.3% since 2022, going from about $1,731 per month to roughly $2,013 today. Census figures show median household income at $92,483 today, compared with $73,131 five years earlier. Income growth outran rent by about 10.2 percentage points, easing the affordability math somewhat compared with 2021. About 39.4% of households rent today, against 41.1% in 2021. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 29.4% to 33.4%. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2022.

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 $2,013/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, WA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Des Moines is $2,013/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,990/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,390/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,050/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,160/mo.

At 26% of local median household income ($92,483/yr), Des Moines ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 2.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Des Moines an affordable city for renters?

Des Moines is considered affordable for renters. At $2,013/mo, rent takes approximately 26% of the local median household income ($92,483/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 $81,000/year (~$39/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,013/mo in Des Moines. The local median household income is $92,483/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 2.9% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

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

Des Moines is middle-of-the-pack for Washington for rent, ranking #58 out of 110 tracked cities at $2,013/mo.

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

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Des Moines ($2,013/mo): Burien ($1,896/mo), Federal Way ($1,935/mo), Seatac ($1,968/mo).

What percentage of Des Moines residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 39.4% of Des Moines households are renters, while 60.6% 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 $2,013/mo is $48 (2%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Washington, it ranks #58 out of 110 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
26%
AFFORDABLE

At $2,013/mo, rent takes ~26% of Des Moines's median household income ($92,483/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Des Moines 26%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Des Moines, WA

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