Cost of Living in Des Moines County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Des Moines County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Des Moines County ranks #2,883 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 8%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Des Moines County, Iowa
Des Moines County's rent burden climbs high
At 18.0%, Des Moines County's rent-to-income ratio is the worst in this comparison and significantly exceeds the national average of 14%—a troubling gap of 4 percentage points. With median household income of just $60,662 (19% below the national median) and monthly rent of $908, the county faces genuine affordability stress.
Least affordable rents in Iowa
Des Moines County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds Iowa's 14.1% state average, marking it as the least affordable rental market statewide in this analysis. The median rent of $908 sits 12% above Iowa's average of $812, while median income of $60,662 lags the state by a significant margin.
Des Moines struggles compared to peers
Des Moines County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio dramatically outpaces neighboring Dickinson (15.0%) and Dubuque (14.9%), signaling acute affordability pressure. Even compared to economically challenged Decatur County (13.9%), Des Moines renters face disproportionate housing burden.
Housing squeezes Des Moines budgets
Renters in Des Moines County spend 18.0% of their $60,662 income—roughly $910 monthly—on housing, leaving limited funds for other essentials. Homeowners allocate 18.5% to $930 owner costs for properties valued at $137,000, indicating housing strain across both rental and ownership sectors.
Des Moines County demands income caution
Considering a move to Des Moines County? Budget carefully: its 18.0% rent-to-income ratio means housing consumes nearly one-fifth of household income, far above healthy levels. Unless relocating with above-average income prospects, this county presents genuine affordability challenges.
Cost of Living Advisory: Des Moines County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Des Moines County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $908/month in gross rent, with 33.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Des Moines County pay $908/month on average, compared to $930/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 2%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $39,857/year. With a median household income of $60,662, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Des Moines County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Des Moines County is less affordable than Black Hawk County by roughly 6% ($908/mo vs $962/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Des Moines County
Rent Burden
18.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,415
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Des Moines County
Median home value is $137,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,094 vs. your max of $1,415.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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