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ZIP Code · IA

ZIP 50321

Pop. 7,900·Polk County·44th most expensive ZIP in Iowa
Median rent (all units)
$951/mo
Year-over-Year
Stable
Month-over-Month
-4.4%
vs US Median
-$1,014
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 50321 · $951
More affordable than 99% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$709
1 BR
$742
2 BR
$881
3 BR
$1,200
4 BR+
$1,233
Research median
$881/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
$11,412/yr
At $951/mo median
Location
StateIA
CountyPolk County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 0.0% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.0% YoY, -4.4% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 50321 (Des Moines, IA) is majority owner-occupied, 42.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
7,900
Median income
$80,351
Median age
36.8
Renters
40.2%
Age distribution
22.5%
22.9%
22.8%
16.9%
14.9%
Under 1822.5%
18–3422.9%
35–5422.8%
55–6416.9%
65+14.9%
Gender
46%
54%
Male46%
Female54%
Race & ethnicity
76.2%
12.7%
White76.2%
Black10.8%
Hispanic12.7%
Asian1.2%
Education (25+)
23%
28%
42.4%
No HS diploma6.6%
HS diploma23%
Some college28%
Bachelor's+42.4%
Housing tenure
59.8%
40.2%
Owner59.8%
Renter40.2%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 50321 in Des Moines, IA has changed in 5 years

Income
$64,487 → $80,351
up 24.6%
Population
8,561 → 7,900
down 7.7%
Renter share
41.5% → 40.2%
-1.3 pts
Bachelor's+
35.4% → 42.4%
+7.0 pts
Median age
32.6 → 36.8
+4.2 yrs

On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 50321 in Des Moines, IA now reports about $80,351, up from $64,487 in 2021. Headcount in the area went from 8,561 to 7,900 between 2021 and 2024, a 7.7% change. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 35.4% to 42.4%.

Community

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Local insights

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About renting in ZIP 50321

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 50321 covers Des Moines, IA. The median rent here is $951/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $742/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $881/mo.

At 14% of local median household income ($80,351/yr), ZIP 50321 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rent prices have stayed steady over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 50321?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 50321 (Des Moines, IA) is $951. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 50321 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 50321's median rent of $951/mo is $1,014 (52%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 50321 compare to other ZIPs in Iowa?

ZIP 50321 is among the more affordable ZIP codes in Iowa, ranking #44 out of 55 ZIPs at $951/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 50321?

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 $951/mo in ZIP 50321. The local median household income is $80,351/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 50321?

Rent in ZIP 50321 has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.0% change year over year as of July 20, 2026.

Is ZIP 50321 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 50321 is considered very affordable for renters. At $951/mo, rent takes approximately 14% of the local median household income ($80,351/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 50321 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 50321 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 40.2% of ZIP 50321 households are renters, while 59.8% are owner-occupied. ZIP 50321 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 50321 compare to the rest of Des Moines?

ZIP 50321 is more affordable than Des Moines overall. At $951/mo, it's $170 below the Des Moines citywide median of $1,121/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 50321 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 50321 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
14%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $951/mo, rent takes ~14% of ZIP 50321's median household income ($80,351/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 50321 14%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.8%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 50321 (Des Moines, IA)

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