Real Estate Investing in Des Moines, Iowa
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in Des Moines, IA? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
For Homebuyers
GOOD FIT
Grade B (75/100)
Solid choice — stable market with a reasonable entry point and good rental backup if you ever need to move.
For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5
(47/100)
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
Risks to Know
CLEAN
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Des Moines, IA?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
🏦 30-yr Fixed Rate:
6.76%
as of Sep 10
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS
Avg Investability
★★★★★
Avg Home Value
$212,617
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,115
ZIP Codes
12
Market Trends — Des Moines, IA
Home Value History
Rent History
Local Pulse Report
AI-researched developments and news for Des Moines, IA. Updated on demand as visitors ask.
Growth & development in Des Moines, IA Updated 145 days ago
Des Moines is experiencing significant growth in residential and data center construction, alongside major infrastructure upgrades, but also faces some corporate job reductions.
Opportunities
- Six of the ten highest-valued building projects in Greater Des Moines in 2025 were multifamily, adding over 1,300 new apartment units. — This expands housing options and supply for residents. Business Record
- A 33-story residential tower at 515 Walnut St. in downtown Des Moines, valued at $109 million, is expected to be completed in 2027. — This adds a significant number of new downtown apartments. Business Record
- MidAmerican Energy is proposing an 800-megawatt solar energy project and two natural gas-fired combustion turbines in Iowa. — These projects aim to provide reliable and affordable power for growing energy demands. MidAmerican Energy
- The SOO Green 350-mile underground transmission line project, approved in September 2025, is expected to bring $3.2 billion into the regional economy during construction. — This large-scale infrastructure project will create thousands of union jobs and improve grid reliability. Business Record
- Iowa's total renewable energy share increased from 59.42% in 2020 to 65.55% in 2024. — This indicates a growing commitment to sustainable energy sources. CITYVIEW
Concerns
- Maverik, which acquired Kum & Go, is consolidating its headquarters to Salt Lake City, resulting in 100 layoffs in Des Moines by April 2026. — This reduces corporate job opportunities in Des Moines. Business Record
- CDS Global's plant in Harlan is closing in February 2025, leading to 94 employee layoffs. — This results in job losses in the information industry sector. weareiowa.com
- Wells Fargo is cutting 26 jobs in West Des Moines by January 2026, following 63 cuts in December. — This reduces employment opportunities in the financial sector. Eagle 102.3
Bottom line: Des Moines is experiencing substantial development in residential and data center sectors, alongside significant infrastructure investments, despite some corporate job reductions.
Local news & events in Des Moines, IA Updated 145 days ago
Des Moines has seen a mix of community growth and environmental concerns, with ongoing efforts to address public health and safety challenges.
Opportunities
- Des Moines is leasing its vacant City Hall for events, expanding options for community gatherings. — This expands choices for event organizers and provides new venues for public use. Axios Des Moines
- The Des Moines Parks and Recreation system ranks among the top 20 in the country, offering numerous recreational opportunities. — This provides residents with high-quality public spaces and diverse recreational activities. City of Des Moines
- Des Moines' first municipal solar field is set to go online, contributing to renewable energy efforts. — This expands access to sustainable energy and reduces reliance on traditional power sources. City of Des Moines
- New "affordable forever" homes are now for sale in Des Moines, addressing housing needs. — This expands housing choices for residents seeking more affordable options. Axios Des Moines
- The USDA will establish a National Food Safety Center in Urbandale, potentially bringing jobs and expertise to the area. — This could create new job opportunities and enhance the region's economic stability. weareiowa.com
Concerns
- Air quality in the Des Moines metro has decreased, ranking as the nation's 75th worst in the 2025 State of the Air report. — This imposes unconsented health risks and reduces the quality of the local environment. weareiowa.com
- Near-record nitrate levels in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers in June 2025 led to a first-ever ban on lawn watering. — This restricts water usage for residents and indicates potential health risks from drinking water pollution. AP News
- Polk County saw an 18% jump in its unsheltered homeless population one year after the public camping ban. — This indicates a worsening housing crisis and increased hardship for vulnerable residents. weareiowa.com
- Des Moines has one of the highest crime rates in America, with a one in 27 chance of becoming a victim of violent or property crime. — This restricts personal safety and imposes costs on residents through increased risk and potential losses. NeighborhoodScout
- Central Iowa hospitals experienced a tenfold increase in flu cases over three weeks in late 2025 and early 2026, particularly among children. — This strains healthcare resources and poses health risks to the community, especially vulnerable populations. weareiowa.com
Bottom line: Des Moines is actively promoting community engagement and sustainable initiatives, yet faces significant challenges with declining air and water quality and rising crime and homelessness.
Schools in Des Moines, IA Updated 145 days ago
{ "summary": "Des Moines Public Schools passed a significant bond measure to fund a "Reimagining Education" plan amidst ongoing enrollment declines and mixed academic performance.", "positives": [ { "fact": "In November 2025, Des Moines voters ap
{ "summary": "Des Moines Public Schools passed a significant bond measure to fund a "Reimagining Education" plan amidst ongoing enrollment declines and mixed academic performance.", "positives": [ { "fact": "In November 2025, Des Moines voters ap
Civic & policy in Des Moines, IA Updated 145 days ago
Des Moines and Iowa have seen recent decisions impacting taxes, zoning, and social policies, alongside significant budget approvals and funding allocations.
Opportunities
- The Des Moines City Council approved a nearly $975 million budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year on April 16, 2024. — This budget allocates funds for additional police officers, public transportation (DART), and the Animal Rescue League, enhancing public services and safety. YouTube (Local 5)
- Iowa law will implement a flat personal income tax rate of 3.8% starting January 1, 2025, a reduction from previous rates. — This change is projected to save the typical Iowa household approximately $410 in 2025, increasing disposable income. Ernst & Young LLP
- The Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission approved changes on April 3, 2025, to site plan requirements for construction projects. — These changes aim to simplify the process for small businesses and property owners, potentially encouraging more investment and development. Business Record
- Polk County Board of Supervisors unanimously allocated $1 million on November 6, 2025, to local food programs to offset missing SNAP benefits. — This immediate assistance supports food-insecure residents and helps local food banks and organizations maintain services. weareiowa.com
Concerns
- On October 21, 2025, the Des Moines City Council tightened its camping ban, removing exemptions for people experiencing homelessness. — This decision makes the ordinance more punitive, potentially leading to more charges and fines for homeless individuals. Iowa Public Radio
- A bill advanced by an Iowa House subcommittee on March 20, 2025, would impose a three-year moratorium on state economic development funds for Polk County. — This could hinder Des Moines' ability to attract new businesses and projects, potentially impacting job growth and regional economic development. Iowa Public Radio
- A new state law, effective July 1, 2025, removes specific anti-discrimination protections for transgender Iowans from the Iowa Civil Rights Act. — This law restricts protections for a specific group, potentially limiting their choices and opportunities in public spaces and services. Iowa Public Radio
- A Des Moines Public Schools bond measure for $265 million for renovations, if approved by voters in November 2025, would add approximately $200 annually to the average homeowner's property tax bill for 20 years. — This ballot measure would impose an additional long-term property tax cost on residents. Iowa Public Radio
Bottom line: Des Moines residents face a mix of reduced state income taxes and streamlined development processes, alongside stricter local ordinances and potential economic development funding cuts.
AI-generated from public web sources. Always verify with official records. Not financial, legal, or investment advice.
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Best ZIP codes in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in Des Moines, IA. Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Avg Home Value
$212,617
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,115
1% Rule
✗ Below
Landlord Friendly (IA)
★★★★★
🎓 Colleges & Universities in Des Moines
5 Colleges
7,297 Students
Neighborhoods in Des Moines
ACCENT
12 ZIP codes
Arbor Peaks
12 ZIP codes
Beaverdale
12 ZIP codes
Bloomfield-Allen
12 ZIP codes
Brooks Run
12 ZIP codes
Capitol East
12 ZIP codes
Capitol Park
12 ZIP codes
Capitol View South
12 ZIP codes
Carpenter
12 ZIP codes
Chautauqua Park
12 ZIP codes
Chesterfield
12 ZIP codes
Douglas Acres
12 ZIP codes
Downtown Des Moines
12 ZIP codes
Drake
12 ZIP codes
Drake Park
12 ZIP codes
East Village
12 ZIP codes
Ewing Woods-Evergreen
12 ZIP codes
Fairground
12 ZIP codes
Fairmont Park
12 ZIP codes
Fort Des Moines
12 ZIP codes
ZIP Codes in Des Moines, IA
50317
Home Value
$195,407
Rent
$1,257/mo
50315
Home Value
$198,637
Rent
$1,081/mo
50310
Home Value
$236,782
Rent
$989/mo
50320
Home Value
$266,248
Rent
$1,249/mo
50313
Home Value
$188,066
Rent
$1,103/mo
50316
Home Value
$163,863
Rent
$1,176/mo
50311
Home Value
$232,728
Rent
$963/mo
50312
Home Value
$298,092
Rent
$1,196/mo
50314
Home Value
$165,653
Rent
$951/mo
50309
Home Value
$244,736
Rent
$1,272/mo
50321
Home Value
$361,191
Rent
$1,029/mo
50319
Home Value
$0
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View PlansFrequently Asked Questions About Des Moines, IA
Does a duplex house hack pencil in Des Moines, IA?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Des Moines, IA reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
How strict are landlord regulations in Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines, IA operates under IA law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect consistent treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
Are tenants stable in Des Moines, IA?
Working renters make up the core of the Des Moines, IA tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
What is the rental occupancy rate in Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines, IA vacancy trends elevated. Investors running standard buy-and-hold plays see reasonable downtime between tenants.
Where do rents currently stand in Des Moines, IA?
Investors in Des Moines, IA typically see rents near $1,115/mo per month against $213K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
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