Average Rent in Des Moines County, IA↑ Rents rising 4.2% YoY🔺 4th priciest in IA
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 38,597
Market Overview
Des Moines County, IA has rental prices ranging from $735/month to $1,421/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $817/month — 42% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $60,662/year, spending $817/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Des Moines County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,072/month, Des Moines County ranks #4 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Iowa — pricier than 73% of all US cities in our data.
The Des Moines County Rental Market
The Des Moines County, IA area has a population of about 38,597 and 27% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Des Moines County, IA have risen by $43/month (4.2%) over the past year, from $1,029 to $1,072. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Des Moines County, IA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,680. The local median household income of $60,662 exceeds that threshold by $27,982, making Des Moines County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Des Moines County, IA has an unemployment rate of 4.4%, 0.5 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Des Moines County, IA Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in IAlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | $990 | $1,052 | $1,261 | $1,675 | — |
| Jasper County | $707 | $711 | $920 | $1,265 | — |
| Des Moines | $954 | $1,017 | $1,216 | $1,632 | — |
| Cedar Rapids | $681 | $757 | $993 | $1,391 | — |
| Iowa City | $816 | $921 | $1,105 | $1,548 | — |
| Waterloo | $684 | $760 | $997 | $1,301 | — |
Rent or Buy in Des Moines County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Des Moines County data
Buying breaks even after 3 years — worth it if you stay 3+ years.
Living in Des Moines County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
Moving Cost Estimator
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Des Moines CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in IASee how Des Moines County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Des Moines CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋IA Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections