Special Interest
Housing in Des Moines County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Des Moines County averages $904/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Iowa median of $972 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 34% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Des Moines County FMR Area are $763 for a studio, $843 for 1‑bedroom, $1,106 for 2‑bedroom, $1,424 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,484 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $202 increase for a 2-bedroom in Des Moines County shows a 22% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Des Moines County was 3.9% in 2024, compared to Iowa at 3.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
