Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Dallas County, Iowa
Dallas County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,360 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,311 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $26.15 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,360
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 22% more than in Iowa
- Typical rent
- $1,311
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 35% more than in Iowa
- Wage needed
- $26.15
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $54,400 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 37%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 17% less than in Iowa
Only here
Renting in Dallas County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Of the 99 counties in Iowa, Dallas County has the highest typical rent: $1,311.
-
Of the 99 counties in Iowa, Dallas County has the highest typical household income: $102,379.
-
Dallas County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,311, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Polk County ($1,149).
-
Dallas County has the 10th lowest homeownership rate of the 99 counties in Iowa (69%).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Dallas County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Dallas County was $1,563 a month in September 2026: 4.3% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,102 | $21.19 | $44,080 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,145 | $22.02 | $45,800 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,360 | $26.15 | $54,400 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,856 | $35.69 | $74,240 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,901 | $36.56 | $76,040 |
HUD area: Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 16 ZIP codes in Dallas County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,090 in 50039 to $1,790 in 50323. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,360).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 50003 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $970 | $1,010 | $1,200 | $1,640 | $1,680 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50038 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $1,020 | $1,060 | $1,260 | $1,720 | $1,760 |
| 50039 | Boone County, IA | $880 | $910 | $1,090 | $1,490 | $1,520 |
| 50039 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $880 | $910 | $1,090 | $1,490 | $1,520 |
| 50063 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $920 | $960 | $1,140 | $1,560 | $1,590 |
| 50066 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $890 | $920 | $1,120 | $1,510 | $1,610 |
| 50069 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $920 | $960 | $1,140 | $1,560 | $1,590 |
| 50146 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $1,310 | $1,360 | $1,620 | $2,210 | $2,260 |
| 50167 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $890 | $930 | $1,100 | $1,500 | $1,540 |
| 50220 | Boone County, IA | $900 | $940 | $1,120 | $1,520 | $1,570 |
| 50220 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $900 | $940 | $1,120 | $1,520 | $1,570 |
| 50220 | Greene County, IA | $900 | $940 | $1,120 | $1,520 | $1,570 |
| 50233 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $920 | $960 | $1,150 | $1,550 | $1,600 |
| 50263 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $1,260 | $1,310 | $1,560 | $2,130 | $2,180 |
| 50266 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $1,330 | $1,380 | $1,640 | $2,240 | $2,290 |
| 50323 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $1,450 | $1,510 | $1,790 | $2,440 | $2,500 |
- 50003 · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA $1,200$1,640
- 50038 · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA $1,260$1,720
- 50039 · Boone County, IA $1,090$1,490
- 50039 · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA $1,090$1,490
- 50063 · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA $1,140$1,560
- 50066 · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA $1,120$1,510
- 50069 · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA $1,140$1,560
- 50146 · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA $1,620$2,210
- 50167 · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA $1,100$1,500
- 50220 · Boone County, IA $1,120$1,520
- 50220 · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA $1,120$1,520
- 50220 · Greene County, IA $1,120$1,520
- 50233 · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA $1,150$1,550
- 50263 · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA $1,560$2,130
- 50266 · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA $1,640$2,240
- 50323 · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA $1,790$2,440
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Dallas County, 37% of renter households are in that position; in Iowa, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
37%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
13,145 households rent in Dallas County
- Spend half or more of their income 15%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 63%
Compared with the state and the country
- Dallas 37%
- Iowa 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Dallas County
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Dallas County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC). They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 21
1,319 homes in all; 1,023 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Whisper Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 9005 Bridgewood Blvd, West Des Moines 50266 208 low-income homes · 1 bd: 64 · 2 bd: 112 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Elevate at Jordan Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 8925 Cascade Ave, West Des Moines 50266 180 low-income homes · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Hometown Harbor Waukee Tax credit (LIHTC) 560 SE Brick Dr, Waukee 50263 116 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 80 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Waukee Family Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1300 SE Jacob, Waukee 50263 90 low-income homes · 4 bd: 90 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Alice Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 255 SE Brick Dr, Waukee 50263 59 homes, 55 low-income · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 47 · In service since 2014 · For older adults
- Sugar Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1600 SE La Grant Pkwy, Waukee 50263 46 low-income homes · 1 bd: 37 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Willis Avenue Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 913 Willis Ave, Perry 50220 38 homes, 34 low-income · 1 bd: 17 · 2 bd: 17 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Hamlin Bell Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 2023 Willis Ave, Perry 50220 36 homes, 32 low-income · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Lyn Circle Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1120 SE Mapleleaf Ln, Waukee 50263 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2000 · For people with disabilities, families
- Quail Run Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2902 Iowa St, Perry 50220 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 1998 · For people with disabilities, families
- Adel Assisted Living Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 504 Van Fossen Ln, Adel 50003 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Candleridge Apts of Perry II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2620 McKinley St, Perry 50220 24 low-income homes · In service since 1994 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Windfield West Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 301 N Warrior Ln, Waukee 50263 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Windfield West Apts III Tax credit (LIHTC) 125 SE Windfield Pkwy, Waukee 50263 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Prairie Village of Adel Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 S 12th St, Adel 50003 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Candleridge Apts of Perry I Tax credit (LIHTC) 820 18th St, Perry 50220 23 low-income homes · In service since 1991
- Candleridge Apts of Waukee Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Laurel St, Waukee 50263 23 low-income homes · In service since 1993 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Candleridge Apts of Waukee II Tax credit (LIHTC) 212 Laurel St, Waukee 50263 23 low-income homes · 1 bd: 23 · In service since 1995 · For older adults
- 1598 Linden ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 1598 Linden St, Granger 50109 12 low-income homes
- Maple Grove Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 8602 Westown Pkwy, West Des Moines 50266 236 homes
- Windfield West II Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 105 SE Windfield Pkwy, Waukee 50263 47 homes
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Dallas County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Dallas County; the state's agencies can help you. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
-
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
-
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
-
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
-
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $24,450 | $40,750 | $65,200 |
| 2 people | $27,950 | $46,600 | $74,500 |
| 3 people | $31,450 | $52,400 | $83,800 |
| 4 people | $34,900 | $58,200 | $93,100 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $62,900 | $100,550 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $67,550 | $108,000 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $72,200 | $115,450 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $76,850 | $122,900 |
Area median income: $116,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $992 – $1,212
- 1 bedroom $1,031 – $1,260
- 2 bedrooms $1,224 – $1,496
- 3 bedrooms $1,670 – $2,042
- 4 bedrooms $1,711 – $2,091
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Dallas County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
Your rights as a tenant in Iowa
What Iowa law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 2 months of rent
- Iowa Code §562A.12(1)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- Iowa Code §562A.12(3)(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 days
- Iowa Code §562A.27(2)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- Iowa Code §562A.34(2)
- Only a court order can remove youIowa Code §562A.33
- Repair and deduct from the rentIowa Code §562A.27(4)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Dallas County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Home Opportunities Made Easy, Inc. (home, Inc.)
1618 6th Ave, Des Moines · 22 miles away · Spanish
- Home improvement and repairs
- Homelessness services
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Dallas County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Iowa, the average home bill was $112 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,720
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,360
- Security deposit
- $1,360
- Total
- $2,720
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Dallas County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,102; 1 bedroom: $1,145; 2 bedrooms: $1,360; 3 bedrooms: $1,856; 4 bedrooms: $1,901. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Dallas County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,360) without spending more than 30% of income takes $26.15 an hour full time, or $54,400 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Dallas County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $58,200 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Dallas County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,224 and $1,496 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Dallas County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,090 in 50039 to $1,790 in 50323. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Dallas County?
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Dallas County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC). They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Dallas County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Dallas County, 37% of renter households are in that position; in Iowa, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).