Rentometer, Inc. | Data as of 10/23/2025
Polk County, Iowa, offers a diverse rental landscape that caters to a wide range of lifestyles, from vibrant urban apartments to spacious family homes. In the heart of the county, Des Moines provides ample cultural attractions, bustling downtown districts, and convenient access to the Iowa State Capitol, making it a popular choice for renters seeking both convenience and community. Neighborhoods such as East Village, the Historic Valley Junction, and the thriving North Downtown area feature a mix of modern studio apartments and larger multi‑bedroom units, appealing to young professionals, students, and growing families alike. Across the county, suburban enclaves provide quieter settings with easy commutes to major employment centers.
The rental market in Polk County reflects this variety, with studio apartments averaging around $950 and a median near $915, while one‑bedroom units typically sit in the $1,100 range. Two‑bedroom apartments often command averages near $1,340, and larger three‑ and four‑plus bedroom apartments reach averages of $1,500 and $2,400 respectively. For those preferring a house, studio‑style rentals average about $1,220, and one‑bedroom homes hover near $975. Two‑bedroom houses trend around $1,230, with three‑bedroom homes averaging $1,720, and spacious four‑plus bedroom houses approaching $2,300. These figures illustrate a balanced market that supports both affordable entry‑level options and premium family accommodations, ensuring renters can find a home that aligns with their budget and lifestyle within Polk County’s welcoming communities.
| Property Type | Bedrooms | Average | Median | Min - Max | 25th - 75th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | Studio | $962 | $975 | $722 - $1,295 | $850 - $1,095 |
| Apartment | 1 Bedroom | $1,094 | $1,077 | $597 - $1,720 | $925 - $1,250 |
| Apartment | 2 Bedroom | $1,357 | $1,324 | $765 - $3,408 | $1,020 - $1,618 |
| Apartment | 3 Bedroom | $1,534 | $1,475 | $863 - $5,554 | $1,225 - $1,661 |
| Apartment | 4+ Bedroom | $3,965 | $2,295 | $2,100 - $7,500 | $2,100 - $7,500 |
| House | 1 Bedroom | $1,230 | $972 | $750 - $2,700 | $900 - $1,625 |
| House | 2 Bedroom | $1,292 | $1,277 | $700 - $2,100 | $1,100 - $1,450 |
| House | 3 Bedroom | $1,679 | $1,700 | $740 - $2,395 | $1,400 - $2,095 |
| House | 4+ Bedroom | $2,242 | $2,197 | $775 - $4,250 | $1,990 - $2,595 |
In the current period, the average rent in Polk was $963 for Studio, $1,105 for 1 Bedroom, $1,337 for 2 Bedroom, $1,612 for 3 Bedroom, and $2,211 for 4+ Bedroom.
Data provided by Rentometer, Inc.