Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Des Moines County, Iowa
Des Moines County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,104 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $904 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $21.23 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,104
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- About the same as in Iowa
- Typical rent
- $904
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 7% less than in Iowa
- Wage needed
- $21.23
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $44,160 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 51%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 17% more than in Iowa
Only here
Renting in Des Moines County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Des Moines County has the 5th largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 98 counties in Iowa with this figure (51%).
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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines County was $961 a month in September 2026. 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 | $769 | $14.79 | $30,760 |
| 1 bedroom | $844 | $16.23 | $33,760 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,104 | $21.23 | $44,160 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,444 | $27.77 | $57,760 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,533 | $29.48 | $61,320 |
HUD area: Des Moines County, IA. 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 11 ZIP codes in Des Moines County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 52638 to $1,490 in 52650. 2 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,104).
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)
| 52601 | Des Moines County, IA | $770 | $850 | $1,110 | $1,450 | $1,540 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52623 | Des Moines County, IA | $710 | $780 | $1,020 | $1,340 | $1,410 |
| 52623 | Henry County, IA | $710 | $780 | $1,020 | $1,340 | $1,410 |
| 52637 | Des Moines County, IA | $770 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,530 |
| 52637 | Louisa County, IA | $770 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,530 |
| 52638 | Des Moines County, IA | $660 | $730 | $960 | $1,240 | $1,290 |
| 52646 | Des Moines County, IA | $710 | $740 | $970 | $1,240 | $1,350 |
| 52646 | Louisa County, IA | $710 | $740 | $970 | $1,240 | $1,350 |
| 52650 | Des Moines County, IA | $1,040 | $1,140 | $1,490 | $1,950 | $2,070 |
| 52655 | Des Moines County, IA | $740 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,470 |
| 52660 | Des Moines County, IA | $750 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,350 | $1,450 |
- 52601 · Des Moines County, IA $1,110$1,450
- 52623 · Des Moines County, IA $1,020$1,340
- 52623 · Henry County, IA $1,020$1,340
- 52637 · Des Moines County, IA $1,100$1,440
- 52637 · Louisa County, IA $1,100$1,440
- 52638 · Des Moines County, IA $960$1,240
- 52646 · Des Moines County, IA $970$1,240
- 52646 · Louisa County, IA $970$1,240
- 52650 · Des Moines County, IA $1,490$1,950
- 52655 · Des Moines County, IA $1,060$1,390
- 52660 · Des Moines County, IA $1,060$1,350
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 Des Moines County, 51% 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.
51%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
4,355 households rent in Des Moines County
- Spend half or more of their income 32%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 19%
- Spend less than 30% 49%
Compared with the state and the country
- Des Moines 51%
- Iowa 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Des Moines County
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Des Moines County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 4
- HUD-assisted
- 9
- public housing
- 1
945 homes in all; 848 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Autumn Heights Public housing 2830 Winegard Dr, Burlington 52601 201 homes, 194 low-income · Run by Low Rent Housing Agency of Burlington · Average payment: $382 a month · Average wait: 1 month · (319) 753-2142
- Stone Gardens HUD-assisted 2309/2311 Valley, Burlington 52601 134 low-income homes · For families · (319) 753-0129
- Greenway of Burlington Tax credit (LIHTC) 2312 Valley St, Burlington 52601 134 homes, 133 low-income · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 66 · 3 bd: 49 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Robinson Heights Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2501 Mount Pleasant St, Burlington 52601 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 100 · In service since 2013 · For older adults · (319) 752-4625
- Steamboat Landing HUD-assisted 300 Angular St, Burlington 52601 75 low-income homes · For families · (319) 754-5515
- Friedenheim Community HUD-assisted 2603 Madison Ave, Burlington 52601 54 low-income homes · For older adults · (319) 754-1042
- West Highland Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 611 W Van Weiss Blvd, West Burlington 52655 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1995 · For people with disabilities, families
- Westland Manor Apartments HUD-assisted 507 Vernon St, West Burlington 52655 47 low-income homes · For older adults · (319) 752-4797
- Midtown Gardens HUD-assisted 61 Midtown Ln, Burlington 52601 60 homes, 18 low-income · For families · (319) 754-7149
- Lake View Apartments HUD-assisted 2117 Northern Dr, Burlington 52601 18 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (319) 754-5007
- Hamilton Place Apartments HUD-assisted 3325 Sterling Dr, Burlington 52601 15 low-income homes · For older adults · (319) 752-8505
- Walton Group Home HUD-assisted 2101 Northern Dr, Burlington 52601 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (319) 754-5007
- Black Hawk Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 3420 Mason Rd, Burlington 52601 47 homes
One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map
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 Des Moines County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Des Moines County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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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)
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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)
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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
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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 | $19,800 | $32,950 | $52,750 |
| 2 people | $22,600 | $37,650 | $60,250 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $42,350 | $67,800 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $47,050 | $75,300 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $50,850 | $81,350 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $54,600 | $87,350 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $58,350 | $93,400 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $62,150 | $99,400 |
Area median income: $84,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Des Moines County, IA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $692 – $846
- 1 bedroom $760 – $928
- 2 bedrooms $994 – $1,214
- 3 bedrooms $1,300 – $1,588
- 4 bedrooms $1,380 – $1,686
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
- Low Rent Housing Agency of Burlington Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 347 vouchers · 194 public housing units (319) 753-2142 Low Rent Housing Agency of Burlington: lrha@burlingtonhousing.net
- Southeast Iowa Regional Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 271 vouchers (319) 753-5109 Southeast Iowa Regional Housing Authority: kfraise@seirha.com
Housing agencies in Iowa Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
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 Des Moines County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Muscatine Municipal Housing Agency
215 Sycamore St, Muscatine · 36 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Des Moines 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
$2,208
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,104
- Security deposit
- $1,104
- Total
- $2,208
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 Des Moines County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $769; 1 bedroom: $844; 2 bedrooms: $1,104; 3 bedrooms: $1,444; 4 bedrooms: $1,533. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Des Moines County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,104) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.23 an hour full time, or $44,160 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Des Moines County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $47,050 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 Des Moines 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 $994 and $1,214 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Des Moines County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 52638 to $1,490 in 52650. 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 Des Moines County?
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Des Moines County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. 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 Des Moines County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Des Moines County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Iowa, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).