1 Bedroom Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA (473 Rentals)

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Des Moines's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

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Des Moines, IA Local Guide

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Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Des Moines 1 Bedroom Apartment Units with Current Availability by Neighborhood

Availability Confirmed As of: August 04, 2025

There are currently 9079 available 1 Bedroom apartment units from neighborhoods all over Des Moines, IA that range in price from $547 to $3,440. King-irving Park, Southwest Des Moines and Cheatom Park are the neighborhoods that currently have the most 1 Bedroom availability. Here is today's list of the top neighborhoods in Des Moines with the most available 1 Bedroom apartments:

NeighborhoodAvailable UnitsMedian PriceMin Price
King-irving Park314$1,195$547
Southwest Des Moines309$1,186$650
Cheatom Park303$1,195$597
McKinley School Columbus Park282$1,200$650
Carpenter281$1,200$597
Greater South Side281$1,200$650
Gray's Lake275$1,201$650
Drake Park272$1,210$597
Capitol Park271$1,230$650
East Village268$1,230$650

Largest Available Des Moines 1 Bedroom Apartments

The largest available 1 Bedroom apartment unit in Des Moines, IA is found at 3614 6th Ave in the Grandview College Area neighborhood and is 1,570 square feet priced from $1,600. Slate Age 55 Plus Active Community in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood has the second largest 1 Bedroom, which is sized at 1,010 square feet and currently listed start at $1,768. Here is today’s list of the largest available 1 Bedroom units in Des Moines:

Apartment ListingModel NameSquare FootagePriced From
3614 6th Ave1 BR Plus Den1,570 Sq Ft$1,600
Slate Age 55 Plus Active CommunityDickens1,010 Sq Ft$1,768
Riverpoint LoftsA151,007 Sq Ft$1,079
The ElliottFully Furnished 1 BDRM1,000 Sq Ft$1,295
Wilkins BldgMarket Rate961 Sq Ft$1,195
CityvilleArtisan- A9960 Sq Ft$1,585
The MeridianRose941 Sq Ft$1,922
Residences at 62WOakdale934 Sq Ft$1,482
10th Street Lofts1BR/1.0BA851 Sq Ft$1,025
Hamilton ApartmentsOne Bedroom800 Sq Ft$800

Cheapest Available Des Moines 1 Bedroom Apartments

As of August 04, 2025 the lowest priced 1 Bedroom apartment unit in Des Moines, IA is the Standard 1 Bed Model starting from $547 at Highland Park Apartments (DSM) in the Grandview College Area neighborhood. The second most affordable Des Moines 1 Bedroom is the 1 Bedroom Model at Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I starting at $548 in the Green Meadows West neighborhood. The average price for all 1 Bedroom apartments in Des Moines is currently $1,194. Here is today’s list of the cheapest available 1 Bedroom options in Des Moines:

Apartment ListingModel NamePriced From
Highland Park Apartments (DSM)Standard 1 Bed$547
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I1 Bedroom$548
Clover Creek1/1$597
The Drake ApartmentsB3$630
Northtown Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom$675
Watrous ApartmentsA1$676
Park Forest1x1 630$695
Riverview Oaks Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom$695
Pioneer EstatesB1$700
Ingersoll Park Studio Apartments 36071 bedroom$700

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

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Des Moines Overview

It’s likely that you only really hear about Des Moines every four years when the presidential caucuses kick off in this city. But that’s only part of the great culture and history of Des Moines. It’s over 150 years old and in that time has grown to be a Midwestern hub of culture and commerce. If you’re in the insurance industry, Des Moines is the absolute best place to live as it is the home of several large insurance companies. Des Moines isn’t just for insurance people, though, it’s a city that keeps growing, and it’s even been attracting more and more young people. If you’re looking for apartments in Des Moines, this must be an exciting time in your life because Des Moines is a great (not to mention inexpensive) place to live.

Why live in Des Moines, IA?

Des Moines is a constantly underrated city. It’s not the most talked about city, but it sure has a lot going on! It’s the home of several professional minor league sports teams, including the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League. Des Moines is also a smart city. It has an impressive public school system and houses five colleges and universities. Iowa’s work force, including that of Des Moines, ranks as one of the best educated in the country due to its 80% high school graduation rate. Des Moines’ real claim to fame is its importance in the presidential election, many candidates set up campaign offices here due to its position as the site of the first caucuses.

Des Moines, IA
Population: 216,853

Ranked #101

in US Census Population by City

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Des Moines, IA Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in Des Moines, IA

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Getting Around Des Moines, IA

Walk Score®

53 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

45 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

31 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?

  • Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
  • Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
  • Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Des Moines, IA Area Reviews

  • Parks
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Joseph • 4+ years in Des Moines

May 14, 2025

Many residents prefer the western suburbs or more distant communities like Indianola, Boone, Ames, or Newton. Certainly those are all viable options.I would never pick Des Moines for its schools, for example. But the city has many fine neighborhoods which are worth a look.

Frequently Asked Questions about 1 Bedroom Des Moines Apartments

What is the Cheapest apartment in Des Moines with 1 Bedroom?

Currently the most affordable 1 Bedroom in Des Moines is at Highland Park Apartments (DSM) listed at $547.

How much is the average rent for a 1 Bedroom Des Moines Apartment?

The average rent for a 1 Bedroom Apartment in Des Moines is $1,194.

What is the largest available 1 Bedroom Des Moines Apartment for rent?

Today's apartment with the most square footage in Des Moines is a 1,570 square feet unit starting from $1,600 at 3614 6th Ave.

What is the average size for Des Moines 1 Bedroom Apartments for rent?

The average size for a 1 Bedroom rental in Des Moines is currently 631 sq ft.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

decorative image for A Local Expert's Guide To the Top Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Des Moines, Iowa article

A Local Expert's Guide To the Top Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Des Moines, Iowa

Written by: Joseph Isenberg

I'm Joe, the ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Des Moines and Central Iowa. My parents moved to Central Iowa in 1967, and my family has been here ever since.

decorative image for The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro article

The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.

decorative image for Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting article

Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.