Cheap Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA from $400 (467 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Polk County.

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Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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The Flats Apartments
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$749 - $1,166
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$749 - $1,166
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Flats Apartments

3000 University AveWest Des Moines, IA 50266
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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

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Cheapest Available Polk County Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Polk County, IA is a 1 Bed unit found at Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I in the Green Meadows West neighborhood priced from $548. Highland Park Apartments in the Grandview College Area neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $597. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Polk County apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$548
Highland Park ApartmentsStandard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
Highland Park ManorStandard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
The View on Douglas0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$599
Village GreenStudioStudio,1BA$600
The Concord BuildingStudioStudio,1BA$630
The AcaciaStudio - ClassicStudio,1BA$647
Douglas Oaks0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$650
Valley Acres Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$650

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA

As of June 02, 2026 the best value apartment in the Polk County area is the $0.77 price per square foot Four bed Model at Prairie Trails in the in the Hayes Acres neighborhood starting from $2,300. The second greatest value Polk County apartment is the 2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath Model at Normandy Terrace Apartments starting at $900 with a $0.60 price per square foot in the Golf & Country Club neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Polk County apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Prairie TrailsFour bed4BR,3BA$0.77
Normandy Terrace Apartments2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath2BR,1.5BA$0.60
Southern Meadows HomesPlan B - two story3BR,2BA$0.93
Applewood PropertiesTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.87
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.93
West Glen ApartmentsB1 Classic2BR,1.5BA$0.92
Northtown Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$0.92
Douglas Park Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$0.94
The Village at WestchesterBedford2BR,1BA$0.91
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$0.80

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Polk County Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Polk County?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Polk County is under $650.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Polk County?

The cheapest apartment in Polk County is Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I which is listed at $548, while the average apartment in Polk County costs $1,950.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Polk County?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 148 regular apartments in Polk County that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Polk County?

Cheap apartments in Polk County have an average cost of $224 which is $1,726 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Polk County.

Expert Rental Resources

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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

decorative image for Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent article

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent

Written by: Robin Stewart

Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.

decorative image for A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back article

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Written by: Lauren Harrington

I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

decorative image for Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts article

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.