Des Moines, IA Rental Market
Des Moines is the undisputed insurance capital of the United States, home to Principal Financial Group, Nationwide, EMC Insurance, and dozens of other carriers and reinsurers. A growing fintech sector and corporate services cluster have diversified the economy beyond insurance. The city consistently ranks among the most affordable major metros in the country, offering Midwest livability with a surprisingly dynamic downtown and riverfront scene.
Get a rent estimate for an address in Des MoinesAverage Rent in Des Moines, IA
$1,080
per month · 2026-06
Market Score
Key Facts — Des Moines, IA Rental Market
- Average rent in Des Moines, IA:$1,080/mo
- Median rent:$994/mo
- Rent range:$550 – $2,400/mo
- Most common rental (2 bedrooms):$950/mo
- Active listings:980
- Avg days to lease:31 days
- Year-over-year change:+3.0%
- Median home value:$195,000
- Est. gross annual yield:6.6%
- Data as of:2026-06
Rent by Bedroom in Des Moines, IA
Average monthly rent for each bedroom type based on current active listings in Des Moines.
| Bedroom Type | Avg Rent/mo |
|---|---|
1 Bedroom | $775/mo |
2 Bedrooms | $950/mo |
3 Bedrooms | $1,200/mo |
4 Bedrooms | $1,500/mo |
5 Bedrooms | $1,700/mo |
Des Moines Rental Market Statistics
Key indicators from the current Des Moines, IA rental market.
980
Available now in Des Moines
31
From list to lease
$0.85
Average across listings
1,265 sq ft
Typical rental size
$550 – $2,400
Min to max active listings
+3.0%
Avg rent vs. prior year
Investing in Des Moines, IA Rental Properties
Estimated returns based on current market rents and median home values. Perform full due diligence before investing.
Median Home Value
$195,000
Typical purchase price in Des Moines
Est. Gross Annual Yield
6.6%
Before expenses & vacancy
Avg Monthly Income
$1,080
At average market rent
Gross yield = (avg rent × 12) ÷ median home value. Does not include expenses, financing, vacancies, or management fees. Analyze a specific property in Des Moines for a full cash-flow breakdown including all costs.
Des Moines, IA Rental Market FAQ
Common questions about renting and investing in Des Moines, IA.
What is the average rent in Des Moines, IA?
The average rent in Des Moines, IA is $1,080 per month as of 2026. One-bedroom apartments average $775/mo, two-bedrooms $950/mo, and three-bedroom homes $1,200/mo. The East Village, Valley Junction, and Ingersoll Avenue neighborhoods command above-average rents.
Is Des Moines, IA a good place to invest in rental property?
Des Moines offers a 6.6% estimated gross annual yield with accessible home prices (~$195,000) and one of the most stable employer bases in the Midwest. The insurance and financial services sector provides recession-resistant employment that reliably supports rental demand. The city is consistently ranked a top value market by national real estate analysts.
How competitive is the Des Moines, IA rental market?
Des Moines averages 31 days on market with approximately 980 active listings. The market is moderately competitive, with the East Village and Beaverdale neighborhoods leasing fastest. The growing downtown apartment scene has added supply, keeping the broader market balanced for both tenants and investors.
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