Cheap Homes for Rent in Polk County, IA from $500 (86 Rentals)

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

property at 732 19th St

$595

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

732 19th St

Des MoinesIA50314
property at 732 19th St

$625

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

732 19th St

Des MoinesIA50314
property at 1210 West St

$675

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

1210 West St

Des MoinesIA50315

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

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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property at 1123 24th St

$695

Studio, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

1123 24th St

Des MoinesIA50311
property at 1108 25th St

$700

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

1108 25th St

Des MoinesIA50311
property at 732 19th St

$725

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

732 19th St

Des MoinesIA50314

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

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property at 1314 22nd St

$725

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

1314 22nd St

Des MoinesIA50311
property at 1314 22nd St

$725

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

1314 22nd St

Des MoinesIA50311
property at 1314 22nd St

$725

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

1314 22nd St

Des MoinesIA50311

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

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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property at 1215 25th St

$775

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

1215 25th St

Des MoinesIA50311
property at 2537 Lynner Dr

$800

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$800
Total Monthly Price
$800

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

2537 Lynner Dr

Des MoinesIA50310

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

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Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

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Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 2

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 Studio apartment currently listed from $575. 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 ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$575
Highland Park ManorStudioStudio,1BA$575
Village GreenStudioStudio,1BA$600
732 19th St1 Beds, 1 Baths1BR,1BA$625
The Concord BuildingStudioStudio,1BA$630
The AcaciaStudio - ClassicStudio,1BA$647
Douglas Oaks0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$650
Valley Acres Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$650
Lillis LoftsGoldenray 30%2BR,1BA$665

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA

As of July 17, 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 1250 9th St Model at 1250 9th St, Unit Unite #1 starting at $1,200 with a $0.71 price per square foot in the Grandview College Area 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
1250 9th St, Unit Unite #11250 9th St3BR,1.5BA$0.71
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 Park2 Bed /2 Bath2BR,2BA$0.81
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.93
The Ridges2 Bedroom Regular2BR,1BA$0.89
3119 Grand Ave2 Beds, 1 Baths2BR,1BA$0.90
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$0.80

Frequently Asked Questions about Polk County

What type of rentals are currently available in Polk County?

There are currently 1489 Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA with pricing that ranges from $480 to $5,426. There are also 349 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Polk County ranging from $525 to $4,200.

What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Polk County?

Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Polk County ranges from $525 to $4,200 with an average monthly rent of $1,988.

How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Polk County?

For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Polk County range from $655 to $5,426, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $800 to $2,450. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,625 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $500.

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 Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

Written by: Robin Stewart

Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.

decorative image for Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention article

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention

Written by: Robin Stewart

There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

decorative image for How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide article

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Written by: Robin Stewart

Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

decorative image for Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move article

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.