Where rent has outpaced income in Iowa since 2019
Iowa cities ranked by rent growth minus household income growth from 2019 to 2024 (Zillow yearly average rent, Census 5-year income). Cities with 15,000+ residents.
Key findings
- West Des Moines ranks first, with rent up 21.8% against household income up 13.4% since 2019.
- Across all 7 cities on this list, the median rent is $1,274/mo.
Data as of September 2026. Change in Zillow's yearly average rent from 2019 to 2024, minus the change in Census median household income over the same years. Updated monthly. Download this list (CSV)
Best value (RRS)Overheated (RRS)Most affordableMost expensiveRent fallingRent risingBest rent/incomeMost rent-burdenedRecord-high rentSeasonal swingsRent vs. income
7 cities
| Rank | City | Gap (points) | Rent since 2019 | Income since 2019 | Median rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | West Des MoinesIA | +8.4 | +21.8% | +13.4% | $1,353/mo |
| 02 | Cedar RapidsIA | +6.2 | +26.6% | +20.4% | $1,274/mo |
| 03 | AnkenyIA | -1.0 | +24.1% | +25.1% | $1,464/mo |
| 04 | Des MoinesIA | -2.3 | +20.8% | +23.2% | $1,129/mo |
| 05 | DavenportIA | -2.3 | +27.4% | +29.7% | $965/mo |
| 06 | Cedar FallsIA | -3.0 | +22.3% | +25.3% | $1,405/mo |
| 07 | AmesIA | -6.5 | +20.3% | +26.8% | $1,240/mo |