Cheap Homes for Rent in Polk County, IA from $600 (76 Rentals)

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

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 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
property at 2825 SE 14th St

$650 - $1,095

1 To 3 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

2825 SE 14th St

Des MoinesIA50320

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 2009 NW Hickory Ln

$980

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$980
Total Monthly Price
$980

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

2009 NW Hickory Ln

AnkenyIA50023

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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property at 702 NW Chapel Dr

$995

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$995
Total Monthly Price
$995

2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Home for Rent

Available May 1

702 NW Chapel Dr

AnkenyIA50023

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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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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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 Mezzo on Walnut in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood priced from $350. 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
Mezzo on WalnutAria 31BR,1BA$350
Highland Park ApartmentsStandard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
Highland Park ManorStandard 1 Bed1BR,1BA$597
Plymouth Place Retirement Community 62+Studio - Retirement CommunityStudio,1BA$600
Village GreenStudioStudio,1BA$600
The View On HickmanNew Build Apartment Available for Immediate Mov...Studio,1BA$625
Riverview Oaks ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$625
Lenox PropertiesGreenwood AStudio,1BA$635
Campus View Student Housing3 Bed / 3 Bath3BR,3BA$640
The AcaciaStudio - ClassicStudio,1BA$647

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA

As of April 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 2 BR/ 1 BA Model at 3612 Ingersoll Ave starting at $1,200 with a $0.75 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$0.75
Normandy Terrace Apartments2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath2BR,1.5BA$0.60
Colonial VillageChesapeake3BR,2BA$0.77
Southern Meadows HomesPlan B - two story3BR,2BA$0.93
Applewood PropertiesTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.87
Magnolia Park2/2.02BR,2BA$0.78
Johnston Crossing Senior Apartments I2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.73
The JeffersonJefferson 2 Bed 1 Bath Renovated2BR,1BA$0.92
Campus View Student Housing2 Bed / 2 Bath2BR,2BA$0.90

Frequently Asked Questions about Polk County

What type of rentals are currently available in Polk County?

There are currently 1492 Apartments for Rent in Polk County, IA with pricing that ranges from $480 to $17,609. There are also 273 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Polk County ranging from $650 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 $650 to $4,200 with an average monthly rent of $2,099.

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 $6,650, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,095 to $3,200. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,300 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $600.

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 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.

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

decorative image for A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment article

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.