Des Moines Section 8 Calculator — Polk County and Warren County Income Limits & Rent Estimate

Housing Authority Serving Des Moines

• Agency: Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency (DMMHA)
• Jurisdiction: City of Des Moines & portions of Polk County
• Waiting list status: Opens periodically — monitor dmhousing.com
• Application portal: dmhousing.com
• Main office: 701 Crocker St, Des Moines, IA 50309
• Phone: (515) 323-8950

The Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency is Des Moines’ primary public housing authority, providing affordable housing opportunities through the Housing Choice Voucher program, public housing, and several targeted assistance programs. Des Moines has experienced notable population growth in recent years as Iowa’s capital and economic hub, and while the city remains far more affordable than coastal metros, rising rents have increased demand for housing assistance among the city’s lower-income working families.

DMMHA operates a relatively streamlined voucher program. Iowa’s regulatory environment and the city’s more moderate housing market mean that voucher holders typically find it easier to locate participating landlords and pass inspections than their counterparts in high-cost states. DMMHA also collaborates with the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and local nonprofits to provide holistic support — including housing counseling, job training referrals, and case management — to help voucher holders achieve long-term housing stability.

Income Limits & Fair Market Rent in Polk County

The Des Moines–West Des Moines MSA has a 2026 Area Median Income (AMI) of approximately $96,700 for a family of four — lower than coastal metros, but rising steadily alongside the city’s growing economy. Income eligibility thresholds:

Household Size	30% AMI (Extremely Low)	50% AMI (Very Low)	80% AMI (Low)
1 person	$20,200	$33,650	$53,800
2 persons	$23,100	$38,450	$61,500
4 persons	$28,850	$48,100	$76,950
6 persons	$34,650	$57,700	$92,350

At least 75% of new HCV vouchers issued by DMMHA must go to households at or below 30% AMI — the most financially vulnerable residents. Even households at the 50% AMI level can face serious housing cost burden in today’s Des Moines rental market.

HUD’s 2026 Fair Market Rents for the Des Moines–West Des Moines metro are approximately: Studio $749 · 1BR $903 · 2BR $1,104 · 3BR $1,501 · 4BR $1,695. These FMRs reflect Iowa’s affordable rental market. DMMHA sets its payment standards in the 100–110% FMR range, and because many Des Moines landlords rent at or near FMR levels, voucher holders often have access to a broad range of qualifying units. Your out-of-pocket rent is roughly 30% of your adjusted monthly income; use the calculator below to see your estimated share.

Run your Des Moines rent estimate →

How to Apply for Section 8 in Des Moines

1. Check DMMHA’s waiting list status — Visit dmhousing.com to confirm whether the HCV waiting list is currently open. Unlike many large-city PHAs, DMMHA may have shorter closure periods, so check frequently even if the list was recently closed.
2. Review eligibility requirements — To qualify, your household must meet DMMHA’s income limits, pass a background screening (DMMHA follows HUD guidelines on criminal history), and all household members must have eligible immigration status. Review DMMHA’s admissions policies on their website before applying.
3. Complete and submit your application — When open, submit through DMMHA’s online portal or by calling the agency for paper application instructions. Provide complete, accurate information for all household members.
4. Ask about preference categories — DMMHA may give priority to veterans (through VASH), homeless individuals, domestic violence survivors, or residents displaced by federally declared disasters. If you qualify for a preference, document it clearly in your application.
5. Stay in contact during the wait — Keep your phone number, email, and mailing address current with DMMHA. Most removals from waiting lists occur because applicants can’t be reached during eligibility verification.
6. Attend your briefing and find a unit — After your eligibility is confirmed, DMMHA will issue a voucher and conduct a briefing explaining your rights and responsibilities. You’ll then have 60–90 days to find a qualifying unit, sign a lease, and pass an HQS inspection.

Waiting List Tips for Des Moines

• Take advantage of Iowa’s relatively open market: Compared to coastal cities, Des Moines landlords are generally more willing to accept vouchers, and FMR levels cover a larger share of available rentals. Move quickly once your voucher is issued to use your search time efficiently.
• Ask about VASH vouchers: If you’re a veteran, the Des Moines VA Medical Center partners with DMMHA to provide VASH vouchers, which often have a shorter wait. Contact the VA’s HUD-VASH coordinator directly.
• Contact Iowa Legal Aid: For help understanding your rights as a voucher applicant or holder, Iowa Legal Aid (iowalegalaid.org) provides free legal assistance to qualifying low-income residents.
• Explore IFA programs: The Iowa Finance Authority administers additional rental assistance programs, including some targeted to rural and suburban Polk County areas outside DMMHA’s jurisdiction.
• Document your household changes: In Iowa, household composition changes — new household members, changes in income, or family members leaving — must be reported to DMMHA. Failing to report changes can jeopardize your voucher once issued.