Cheap Homes for Rent in Polk County, IA from $400 (106 Rentals)

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

property at 702 20th St

702 20th 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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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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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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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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property at 1259 10th St

1259 10th St, Unit 1

1259 10th St
Des MoinesIA50314

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.

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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. The Flats on 21st in the Northwest Des Moines neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $595. 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
The Flats on 21st1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$595
Northtown ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$595
Highland Park ApartmentsStandard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
Highland Park Apartments (DSM)Standard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
Village GreenStudioStudio,1BA$600
Clover Creek0/1 - ClassicStudio,1BA$611
Urban Heights0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$625
Imperial Grand PrixGrand Prix StudioStudio,1BA$647

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA

As of November 14, 2025 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 $1,300 with a $0.81 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Prairie TrailsFour bed4BR,3BA$0.77
3612 Ingersoll Ave2 BR/ 1 BA2BR,1BA$0.81
Southern Meadows HomesPlan B - two story3BR,2BA$0.88
Prairie Pointe Student Living3 Bdrm Townhome3BR,3BA$0.52
Applewood PropertiesTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.85
Magnolia Park3rd Floor 2/2.02BR,2BA$0.85
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.89
3120 Cottage Grove Ave, Unit Apt 23120 Cottage Grove Ave1BR,1BA$0.81
Hamilton ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$0.84
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 1479 Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA with pricing that ranges from $500 to $9,524. There are also 311 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Polk County ranging from $450 to $4,250.

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 $4,250 with an average monthly rent of $1,637.

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 $2,934, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $850 to $3,300. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,475 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $655.

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 Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know article

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.

decorative image for How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money article

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

decorative image for The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters article

The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

decorative image for Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between article

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

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.