Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Des Moines, IA
The median monthly rent in Des Moines, IA is $1,180, translating to $14,160 in annual gross rental income per unit. The rent-to-price ratio is 0.55% — well below the 1% rule, making pure cash flow investing challenging at median prices.
Renters in Des Moines spend approximately 25% of the local median household income ($56,200) on rent. This is within the healthy 25-30% range, indicating rent is affordable relative to local incomes. There may be room for moderate rent increases, especially for updated or well-located units.
The vacancy rate in Des Moines is 5.8%. This is a healthy vacancy rate that indicates balanced supply and demand. You should be able to find quality tenants without extended vacancies, though expect normal turnover periods of 2-4 weeks between tenants. Population growth of 0.7% annually provides stable demand.
Des Moines's GRM (price divided by annual rent) is 15.2x. A GRM between 12-16x is moderate and typical of balanced markets. Deals can work but you need to keep expenses controlled. For comparison, the national average GRM for investment-grade rentals is approximately 13-15x.
At the median rent of $1,180/mo, a single-family rental in Des Moines generates approximately $14,160 in gross annual income. After accounting for 5.8% vacancy ($821 lost), property taxes of $3,268, insurance (~$860), and maintenance (~$860), the estimated NOI is $8,351 per year, or $696/mo.