Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in West Des Moines?

To afford a 2-bedroom in West Des Moines, you need to earn at least $55,560/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $82,345, which means the typical resident is $26,785 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 68,744

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$972	$3,240	$38,880	$-43,465
1 Bedroom	$1,153	$3,843	$46,120	$-36,225
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,389	$4,630	$55,560	$-26,785
3 Bedroom	$1,695	$5,650	$67,800	$-14,545
4 Bedroom	$2,084	$6,947	$83,360	+$1,015

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above West Des Moines's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$82,345

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$55,560

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$26,785

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in West Des Moines

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with West Des Moines's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,059

Studio

$972/mo

1 BR

$1,153/mo

2 BR

$1,389/mo

3 BR

$1,695/mo

4 BR

$2,084/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in West Des Moines.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for West Des Moines's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to West Des Moines

West Des Moines, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $82,345 significantly exceeds the $55,560 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $26,785 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating West Des Moines, a studio at $972/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,695/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $67,800.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $83,340 would position you well — though many residents in West Des Moines manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in West Des Moines, Iowa.

With a total population of 68,744, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 40,223 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $55,560 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

40,223

Active civilian employees in West Des Moines

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in West Des Moines

What salary do I need to live in West Des Moines, Iowa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in West Des Moines under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $55,560. The median household income in West Des Moines is $82,345.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in West Des Moines on $82,345?

The affordability verdict for West Des Moines is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.2%, meaning median earners have a $26,785 surplus.

What is the average rent in West Des Moines compared to median income?

The median gross rent in West Des Moines is $1,153/month. With a median household income of $82,345, residents spend approximately 20.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in West Des Moines?

A studio in West Des Moines rents for approximately $972/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $38,880 to afford this.

Is West Des Moines considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $26,785 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", West Des Moines is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $55,560 to the local median household income.

How West Des Moines Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements