
Cheap Homes for Rent in Polk County, IA from $400 (86 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Polk County.


2826 Oxford St

2220 E Walnut St

1501 University Ave

3916 9th St

229 College Ave

1314 22nd St

114 NW College Ave

110 NW College Ave

904 Luster Ln
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.

1217 24th St

1314 22nd St

1334 32nd St

1334 32nd St

2209 Williams St

1334 32nd St

200 Grand Ave

1805 Glenbrook Dr

1614 Arlington Ave

1831 Fuller Rd
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.

2701 Ingersoll Ave

2120 23rd St

1614 Arlington Ave

2118 23rd St

2500 Grand Ave

1624 NW 5th St

1624 NW 5th St

1312 22nd St

595 N Pleasant Hill Blvd

1809 Arlington Ave
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.

4200 Grand Ave

1624 NW 5th St

901 7th Ave SE

4010 University

1310 Ascension St

214 NW Chapel Dr

2056 NW Hickory Ln

1927 NW Hickory Ln

2021 NW hickory Ln

2021 NW hickory Ln
Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs
Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

1809 Arlington Ave

2017 NW Hickory Ln

1913 W 1st St

2826 67th St

910 E Railroad Ave

907 Leach Ave

609 E 5th St

6633 NW 6th Dr

912 E Railroad Ave

922 E Railroad Ave
Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.
Polk County, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Polk County?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polk County 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,232 | $750 | $2,250 |
| Polk County 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,814 | $1,095 | $3,700 |
| Polk County 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,222 | $1,295 | $4,000 |
| Polk County 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,973 | $2,250 | $6,500 |
Browse Homes for Rent in Polk County
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Cheapest Available Polk County Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Polk County, IA is a Studio unit found at Northtown Apartments in the Grandview College Area neighborhood priced from $595. 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northtown Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $595 |
| Highland Park Apartments | Standard 1 Bed | 1BR,1BA | $597 |
| Highland Park Apartments (DSM) | Standard 1 Bed | 1BR,1BA | $597 |
| Urban Heights | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $599 |
| Village Green | Studio | Studio,1BA | $600 |
| Clover Creek | 0/1 - Classic | Studio,1BA | $611 |
| The View On Hickman | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $625 |
| The Acacia | Studio - Classic | Studio,1BA | $647 |
| Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $648 |
| Valley Acres Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $650 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA
As of January 08, 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 BR/ 1 BA Model at 3612 Ingersoll Ave starting at $1,125 with a $0.70 price per square foot in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Polk County apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prairie Trails | Four bed | 4BR,3BA | $0.77 |
| 3612 Ingersoll Ave | 2 BR/ 1 BA | 2BR,1BA | $0.70 |
| Normandy Terrace Apartments | 2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath | 2BR,1.5BA | $0.60 |
| Prairie Pointe Student Living | 3 Bdrm Townhome | 3BR,3BA | $0.52 |
| Colonial Village | Richmond | 2BR,1.5BA | $0.80 |
| Applewood Properties | Two Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $0.87 |
| Magnolia Park | 2nd Floor 2/2.0 | 2BR,2BA | $0.88 |
| 1215 23rd St, Unit 1215 23RD apt #3 | 1215 23rd St | 2BR,1BA | $0.80 |
| Hamilton Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $0.84 |
| Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $0.73 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Polk County
What type of rentals are currently available in Polk County?
There are currently 1485 Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA with pricing that ranges from $450 to $19,248. There are also 305 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Polk County ranging from $450 to $6,500.
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 $450 to $6,500 with an average monthly rent of $1,788.
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 $685 to $8,673, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,095 to $3,700. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,295 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $655.
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

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!