House Hacking Investing in Des Moines, IA
Data-driven house hacking analysis for Des Moines, IA — score breakdown, key investment metrics, and how it compares to other markets.
Last updated: May 2026
Score Breakdown
Key Metrics for House Hacking
Median Price
$200,000
FHA 3.5% down: $7,000
Median Rent
$1,250/mo
Per-unit rental income
Vacancy Rate
5.9%
Very tight
Pop. Growth
+3.5%
5-year trend
House Hacking Investment Thesis
Des Moines is a sleeper house hacking market. Low vacancy (5.8%), positive population growth, and affordable prices mean your units stay rented and your mortgage gets paid. The insurance/financial sector economy provides stable tenant employment.
How Des Moines Compares
| Rank | City | House Hack Score | Cap Rate | Median Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Akron, OH | 6.3 | 8.6% | $100,000 |
| #2 | Huntsville, AL | 5.9 | 7.1% | $260,000 |
| #3 | Dayton, OH | 5.8 | 8.8% | $95,000 |
| #4 | Des Moines, IA | 5.8 | 6.6% | $200,000 |
| #5 | Cleveland, OH | 5.7 | 9.8% | $105,000 |
| #6 | Detroit, MI | 5.6 | 11.2% | $85,000 |
| #7 | Toledo, OH | 5.6 | 9.0% | $88,000 |
Showing markets ranked near Des Moines for this strategy.
Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return
Based on median market data. Your actual returns will vary based on specific property, financing, and management costs. Always run your own analysis before investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the house hack score for Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines, IA scores 5.8 out of 10 on our house hack score, ranking #4 out of 52 markets we track. Weighted composite: affordable entry price (30%), rent-to-price ratio (25%), low vacancy (20%), population growth (15%), livability/income (10%). Scale 0–10.
Is Des Moines a good city for house hacking investing?
Yes — Des Moines, IA ranks in the top 10 for house hacking investing with a score of 5.8/10. Key factors include a median home price of $200,000, cap rate of 6.6%, and positive population growth of +3.5%.
What is the average cap rate in Des Moines?
The average cap rate in Des Moines, IA is 6.6%. The median home price is $200,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,250, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 0.63%.
What are the property taxes in Des Moines?
The effective property tax rate in Des Moines, IA is 1.57%. On a $200,000 property, that translates to approximately $3,140 per year in property taxes.
How does Des Moines compare to other house hacking markets?
Among our 52 tracked markets, Des Moines, IA ranks #4 for house hacking investing. It is one of the top-performing markets for this strategy.
Can I FHA-finance a house hack in Des Moines?
With a median home price of $200,000, most 2-4 unit properties in Des Moines, IA should fall within FHA loan limits. An FHA loan with 3.5% down would require approximately $7,000 as a down payment. Rental income from additional units (median $1,250/month each) can significantly offset your mortgage payment.
Run Your Own Numbers for Des Moines
Use our free calculators pre-filled with Des Moines, IA market data, or adjust the numbers for your specific deal.
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