Home Values in Des Moines, Iowa — 2026 Market Report
Updated March 2026 | Buyer's Market | +4.4% YoY
The median home value in Des Moines, Iowa is $195,000 as of March 2026, which is below the national median of $400,000. Home values in Des Moines have increased by 4.4% over the past year and 24% over the last five years. With a population of 214,133 and a median household income of $52,540, the price-to-income ratio stands at 3.7x, making Des Moines affordable for the average household.
Des Moines Housing Market Conditions
| Metric | Des Moines | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $195,000 | $400,000 |
| YoY Appreciation | +4.4% | +3.8% |
| 5-Year Appreciation | +24% | +22.4% |
| Price per Sq Ft | $48 | $222 |
| Days on Market | 64 days | 45 days |
| Months of Supply | 5.1 | 3.5 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 97.8% | 98.5% |
| Monthly Homes Sold | 208 | — |
| Foreclosure Rate | 0.74% | 0.3% |
Home Value Trends in Des Moines
A homeowner who purchased at the median price of $157,258 five years ago in Des Moines would have gained approximately $37,742 in equity, representing a 24% return on investment. Over the past year alone, the typical homeowner gained $8,218 in home equity.
Affordability in Des Moines, IA
With a median household income of $52,540 and a median home price of $195,000, the price-to-income ratio in Des Moines is 3.7x. A ratio below 3x is generally considered affordable, while above 5x indicates significant affordability challenges. The average monthly rent of $1,438 compared to estimated monthly ownership costs of $1,181 gives a rent-vs-buy ratio of 0.82. In Des Moines, buying is currently competitive with renting when factoring in equity accumulation.
Property Taxes in Des Moines
The effective property tax rate in Iowa is 1.57%. On a home valued at $195,000, the estimated annual property tax bill is $3,062, or approximately $255/month. Property taxes are an important factor in the total cost of homeownership and can significantly impact affordability. The cost of living index in Des Moines is 88.5 (100 = national average), indicating living costs are below the national average.
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Open Mortgage CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in Des Moines, IA?
The median home value in Des Moines, Iowa is $195,000 as of March 2026. Home values have changed +4.4% over the past year, with a 5-year appreciation of 24%.
Is Des Moines a buyer's or seller's market?
Des Moines is currently a buyer's market with 5.1 months of housing supply. Homes spend an average of 64 days on market, and the list-to-sale price ratio is 97.8%. Higher inventory gives buyers more negotiating power.
Are home values going up in Des Moines?
Yes, home values in Des Moines have increased by 4.4% over the past year. The 5-year appreciation rate is 24%, meaning a home worth $157,258 five years ago is now worth $195,000.
Is it better to rent or buy in Des Moines?
The average monthly rent in Des Moines is $1,438, while estimated monthly homeownership costs are approximately $1,181. The price-to-rent ratio is 11.3. Based on current conditions, buying may be more cost-effective than renting in this market.
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Disclaimer: Home value data for Des Moines, Iowa is based on publicly available market data and estimates. Actual home values may vary based on property condition, location within the city, and current market conditions. Data is updated regularly but may not reflect the most recent transactions. Last updated: March 2026.