Average Rent in Des Moines, IA (2026)
Typical asking rent in Des Moines is $1,083. Across the 10 ZIP codes with data it runs from $908 to $1,325, so which side of town you buy on matters as much as the city average. Data as of June 2026.
Rent by ZIP code in Des Moines
| ZIP code | County | Typical rent | vs city median |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50317 | Polk County | $1,325 | +22% |
| 50309 | Polk County | $1,242 | +15% |
| 50320 | Polk County | $1,220 | +13% |
| 50312 | Polk County | $1,217 | +12% |
| 50315 | Polk County | $1,099 | +1% |
| 50316 | Polk County | $1,066 | -2% |
| 50310 | Polk County | $1,023 | -6% |
| 50321 | Polk County | $951 | -12% |
| 50314 | Polk County | $926 | -14% |
| 50311 | Polk County | $908 | -16% |
How to use these numbers
These are Zillow Observed Rent Index values, a smoothed measure of typical asking rent for single family homes, condos, and apartments in each ZIP code. They describe what units are listed for, not what any specific unit will get. Condition, bedroom count, and the exact block all move the number.
If you are underwriting a purchase, use the ZIP figure rather than the city median, and then verify against live listings for the same bedroom count before you commit. Des Moines sits in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area.
Other Iowa cities
Would a rental in Des Moines cash flow?
Start the analyzer with the Des Moines median rent of $1,083 and add a real purchase price to see cash flow, cap rate, and cash-on-cash return.