Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Des Moines County vs Polk County
How do Des Moines County and Polk County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $810
- Des Moines County (1BR)
- $1,109
- Polk County (1BR)
- −27%
- 1BR difference
Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
A 1-bedroom in Des Moines County is 27% cheaper than Polk County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($810 vs $1,109). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.
How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?
| Bedrooms | Des Moines County | Polk County | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $733 | $1,063 | −$330 (-31%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 | $1,109 | −$299 (-27%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,063 | $1,318 | −$255 (-19%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,369 | $1,794 | −$425 (-24%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,426 | $1,841 | −$415 (-23%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Des Moines County is 16% below the US average. Polk County is 16% above.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).