Cheap Homes for Rent in Polk County, IA from $511 (80 Rentals)

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

property at 732 19th St

$550

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

732 19th St

Des MoinesIA50314
property at 732 19th St

$550

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

732 19th St

Des MoinesIA50314
property at 732 19th St

$550

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

732 19th St

Des MoinesIA50314
property at 732 19th St

$595

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
property at 1123 24th St

$695

Studio, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

1123 24th St

Des MoinesIA50311

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

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property at 1314 22nd St

$695

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

1314 22nd St

Des MoinesIA50311
property at 1108 25th St

$700

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

1108 25th 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

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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property at 1215 25th St

$775

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

1215 25th St

Des MoinesIA50311
property at 2500 Grand Ave

$800

Studio, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

2500 Grand Ave

Des MoinesIA50312

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

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

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property at 2500 Grand Ave

$875

Studio, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

2500 Grand Ave

Des MoinesIA50312

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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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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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. 732 19th St in the Downtown Des Moines neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $550. 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
732 19th St1 Beds, 1 Baths1BR,1BA$550
Oakwood PlaceAsh 30%1BR,1BA$562
Highland Park ManorStandard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
Highland Park ApartmentsStandard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
Drake West Village4 Bed - 2 Bath4BR,2BA$599
3309 University Ave0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$600
319 Franklin Ave1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$623
The Concord BuildingStudioStudio,1BA$630
The Village at WestchesterRye II1BR,1BA$643

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA

As of August 31, 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
Colonial VillageChesapeake3BR,2BA$0.81
Southern Meadows HomesPlan B - two story3BR,2BA$0.93
Prairie Pointe Student Living3 Bdrm Townhome3BR,3BA$0.50
1083 NW Greenwood St, Unit 10831083 NW Greenwood St2BR,1BA$0.92
Applewood PropertiesTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.87
McKinley Apartments3BD/2BA3BR,2BA$0.86
The Meadows2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.91
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 1498 Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA with pricing that ranges from $480 to $5,962. There are also 309 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Polk County ranging from $511 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 $511 to $4,200 with an average monthly rent of $1,541.

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 $3,550, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,185 to $2,995. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,290 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $530.

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 Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals article

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Written by: Robin Stewart

The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

decorative image for Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags article

Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags

Written by: Robin Stewart

Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

decorative image for First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently article

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently

Written by: Robin Stewart

Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.

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.