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ZIP Code · IA

ZIP 50311

Pop. 14,574·Polk County·48th most expensive ZIP in Iowa
Median rent (all units)
$962/mo
Year-over-Year
-4.6%
Month-over-Month
+6.0%
vs US Median
-$1,000
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 50311 · $962
More affordable than 98% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,962/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$930
1 BR
$970
2 BR
$1,150
3 BR
$1,570
4 BR+
$1,610
Research median
$1,150/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: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$11,544/yr
At $962/mo median
Location
StateIA
CountyPolk County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 4.6% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-4.6% YoY, +6.0% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 50311 (Des Moines, IA) is roughly split between renters and owners, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income below the national average, 43.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
14,574
Median income
$61,957
Median age
30.8
Renters
51.6%
Age distribution
16.4%
41.1%
23.1%
Under 1816.4%
18–3441.1%
35–5423.1%
55–648.7%
65+10.7%
Gender
49.9%
50.1%
Male49.9%
Female50.1%
Race & ethnicity
72.6%
White72.6%
Black10.9%
Hispanic7.6%
Asian3.8%
Other5.1%
Education (25+)
20.9%
30.6%
43.5%
No HS diploma5%
HS diploma20.9%
Some college30.6%
Bachelor's+43.5%
Housing tenure
48.4%
51.6%
Owner48.4%
Renter51.6%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 50311 in Des Moines, IA has changed in 5 years

Income
$57,065 → $61,957
up 8.6%
Population
15,979 → 14,574
down 8.8%
Renter share
51.9% → 51.6%
-0.3 pts
Bachelor's+
41.5% → 43.5%
+2.0 pts
Median age
29.7 → 30.8
+1.1 yrs

Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $57,065 in 2021 to $61,957 more recently. Headcount in the area went from 15,979 to 14,574 between 2021 and 2024, a 8.8% change. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 41.5% to 43.5%.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 50311

About renting in ZIP 50311

Last updated: August 17, 2026

ZIP code 50311 covers Des Moines, IA. The median rent here is $962/mo as of August 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $970/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,150/mo.

At 19% of local median household income ($61,957/yr), ZIP 50311 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 4.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 50311?

As of August 17, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 50311 (Des Moines, IA) is $962. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 50311 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 50311's median rent of $962/mo is $1,000 (51%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo.

How does ZIP 50311 compare to other ZIPs in Iowa?

ZIP 50311 is among the more affordable ZIP codes in Iowa, ranking #48 out of 56 ZIPs at $962/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 50311?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $38,000/year (~$18/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $962/mo in ZIP 50311. The local median household income is $61,957/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 50311?

Rent in ZIP 50311 has decreased 4.6% over the past year as of August 17, 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Is ZIP 50311 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 50311 is considered very affordable for renters. At $962/mo, rent takes approximately 19% of the local median household income ($61,957/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 50311 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 50311 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 51.6% of ZIP 50311 households are renters, while 48.4% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 50311 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 50311 compare to the rest of Des Moines?

ZIP 50311 is more affordable than Des Moines overall. At $962/mo, it's $169 below the Des Moines citywide median of $1,131/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 50311 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 50311 reflects August 17, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
19%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $962/mo, rent takes ~19% of ZIP 50311's median household income ($61,957/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 50311 19%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.8%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 50311 (Des Moines, IA)

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