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Featured local agent — Des Moines, IA
Sarah Mitchell
Compass Real Estate · Des Moines, IA
“Your trusted relocation specialist since 2009. 350+ homes sold. Zero-pressure, data-first approach.”
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Des Moines, IA Housing Market & Real Estate
Housing market overview · Updated monthly ·
$220,000median sale price
How is the Des Moines, IA housing market right now?
The median home sale price in Des Moines, IA is $220,000, up 1.7% year-over-year. Homes sell in an average of 26 days with 667 active listings. The market is currently a seller's market. (Source: Redfin monthly MLS data, as of May 2026 — the most recent Redfin release; Redfin publishes each month's data on a ~6-week lag.)
Is Des Moines a buyer's or seller's market?
Des Moines, IA is currently a seller's market, based on 2.4 months of supply and homes selling in about 26 days. How we determine this →
Homes sold
276
Last 12 weeks
Days on market
26
Average pace
Active listings
667
2.4 months supply
Sale-to-list
98.8%
Below asking
What does the Des Moines housing market data show?
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median sale price | $220,000 |
| Median list price | $230,000 |
| Year-over-year price change | +1.7% |
| Average days on market | 26 days |
| Active inventory | 667 listings |
| Months of supply | 2.4 months |
| Sale-to-list price ratio | 98.8% |
| Median price per sq ft | $195/sq ft |
| Homes sold (latest month) | 276 |
| New listings (latest month) | 373 |
| Listings with a price cut | 34.9% |
| Market condition | Seller's market |
Source: Redfin · Updated monthly
How much do homes cost in Des Moines by property type?
How the Des Moines, IA market breaks down across single-family homes, condos, and townhouses.
| Property type | Median price | Price / sq ft | Homes sold | Days on market |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family | $220,000 | $196/sq ft | 256 | 21 days |
| Condo / Co-op | $189,000 | $176/sq ft | 19 | 100 days |
Source: Redfin · Updated monthly
The Des Moines housing market is currently classified as a seller's market with a median sale price of $220,000. Prices have risen 1.7% compared to last year, with homes spending an average of 26 days on market, indicating 2.4 months of inventory.With limited inventory, homes sell quickly and buyers should be prepared to act decisively and competitively to secure a property.The price-to-income ratio of 3.3x provides context for how home values compare to local earning capacity.
Homes for sale in Des Moines
There are currently 667 homes listed for sale in Des Moines, Iowa. The median listing price is $230K.
Active listings
667
Homes on market
Median list price
$230K
Avg. days on market
26
Days until sale
New this week
373
Newly listed
Who lives in Des Moines?
Population
212,464
Median income
$63,966/yr
Median age
34.6 years
Owner-occupied
60.4%
College grads
29.0%
Avg commute
19.6 min
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
What are homes worth in Des Moines?
Zillow home value
$213,036
Zillow rent index
$1,121/mo
Price-to-rent ratio
15.8x
Price-to-income
3.3x
Source: Zillow Research
What is it like to live in Des Moines?
Des Moines is a community of approximately 212K residents with a median age of 34.6 years.The median household income is $63,966, which represents a working-class community with solid middle-income opportunities. 29.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, showing a mixed educational demographic.
Homeownership rates are at 60.4%, showing a blend of owner and renter-occupied properties. The average commute time is 19.6 minutes, which makes this an excellent choice for those seeking short commutes to employment centers.Overall, Des Moines offers a balanced lifestyle with accessible home values relative to local income levels.
Which public schools serve Des Moines?
50 schools tracked · 28,872 students
The largest public schools serving Des Moines, IA by enrollment, drawn from the National Center for Education Statistics. School quality is a commonly cited factor in home-buying decisions — these are the campuses families in this area are most likely to encounter.
Lincoln High School
Grades 9-12 · 2,441 students
Roosevelt High School
Grades 9-12 · 2,039 students
East High School
Grades 9-12 · 2,014 students
North High School
Grades 9-12 · 1,514 students
Hoover High School
Grades 9-12 · 923 students
Weeks Middle School
Grades 6-8 · 668 students
Meredith Middle School
Grades 6-8 · 653 students
Merrill Middle School
Grades 6-8 · 651 students
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data directory. Updated annually. Ratings and test scores are not currently displayed.
Which cities are near Des Moines, IA?
Want a head-to-head view? Compare Des Moines side-by-side with any other U.S. city using our market-comparison tool.
Is Des Moines a good real estate investment market?
For investors evaluating Des Moines, the price-to-rent ratio of 15.8x indicates higher purchase prices relative to rental income, typical of appreciation-focused markets. The market has appreciated 1.7% year-over-year, reflecting ongoing demand and value growth.Use our rent vs. buy calculator to analyze whether owning or renting makes more financial sense based on Des Moines's current market conditions and your specific situation. Estimate your monthly payment with the mortgage calculator using Des Moines's median home price.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average home price in Des Moines?
The median home sale price in Des Moines is $220,000, up 1.7% from last year.
How long do homes stay on market in Des Moines?
Homes typically spend 26 days on market before going under contract.
What is the median income in Des Moines?
The median household income is $63,966 per year.
Is Des Moines a buyer's or seller's market?
With 2.4 months of supply, Des Moines is currently a seller's market.
What is the Zillow home value estimate for Des Moines?
The Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for Des Moines is $213,036, representing the typical home value in the area.
What is the median condo price in Des Moines?
The median condo/co-op sale price in Des Moines, IA is $189,000, compared to $220,000 for a single-family home, based on the latest Redfin data.
How much does a single-family home cost in Des Moines?
The median single-family home price in Des Moines, IA is $220,000 (about $196 per square foot).
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