Home Value in Des Moines: Median $215,000 (2026)
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What’s your Des Moines, IA home worth in 2026? Des Moines’s median home value of $215,000 offers solid value compared to many coastal markets, attracting both local buyers and those relocating from higher-cost areas. Home values have moved up 5.0% year-over-year, reflecting moderate growth in the Des Moines market. The average home spans 2,572 square feet with 3.2 bedrooms, at $84/square foot. Understanding your home’s value — and which improvements boost it most — can help you make smarter renovation decisions.
TL;DR — Home Values in Des Moines
The median home value in Des Moines, IA is $215,000, up 5.0% year-over-year. Average price per square foot is $84. Home improvements can significantly boost your value — get your free report to see which upgrades offer the best ROI in Des Moines.
Home Values in Des Moines, IA (2026)
The Des Moines real estate market shows moderate growth conditions in 2026. Here’s a snapshot of current property values and characteristics based on Polk County assessment data and recent sales.
| Metric | Des Moines Average | State Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $215,000 | $195,000 |
| Price Per Square Foot | $84 | $103 |
| Average Living Area | 2,572 sq ft | 1,837 sq ft |
| Average Lot Size | 9,415 sq ft | 10,703 sq ft |
| Average Bedrooms | 3.2 | 3.0 |
| Year-over-Year Change | up5.0% | up4.5% |
Home Improvement ROI in Des Moines
Not all home improvements add equal value. Based on Des Moines market data and national cost-vs-value studies, here’s how much value each improvement typically adds to a Des Moines home.
| Improvement | Average Cost | Value Added | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Replacement | Get Free Report | Get Free Report | 67% |
| Solar Panel Installation | Get Free Report | Get Free Report | 65% |
| Interior/Exterior Paint | Get Free Report | Get Free Report | 146% |
| New Fence | Get Free Report | Get Free Report | 59% |
| Gutter Replacement | Get Free Report | Get Free Report | 95% |
Maximize Your Home Value
In Des Moines, the highest-ROI improvements are exterior upgrades that boost curb appeal. Get your free home value report to see exactly how much each improvement adds to your Des Moines home value.
Des Moines Real Estate Market Factors
Location and Market Drivers
Several factors drive Des Moines home values: local job growth, school quality, proximity to amenities, and neighborhood demand. Des Moines’s housing stock has a median build year of 1983, meaning many homes benefit from strategic updates. The market is currently a balanced market with homes selling in 23 days on average. Properties in Polk County are assessed every few years at a 2.44% tax rate, resulting in approximately $5,325 per year in property taxes for the median-priced home.
Des Moines Housing Market Insights
What’s Driving Des Moines Home Values
The Des Moines real estate market shows moderate growth conditions with a 5.0% year-over-year increase in home values. Homes sell in an average of 23 days. For homeowners planning improvements, the data is clear: curb appeal matters most. A new roof delivers 67% ROI, fresh paint returns 146% of its cost, and solar panels add 65% of their cost to home value. Focus on visible, exterior improvements for the best return.
| Median Days on Market | 23 days in Des Moines |
| Homes Sold Last Year | 24,345 in Polk County |
| Median Year Built | 1983 for Des Moines homes |
| Property Tax Rate | 2.44% in Polk County |
Des Moines Home Value Pro Tip
Before listing your Des Moines home or planning major improvements, get a comparative market analysis (CMA) from a local real estate agent — it’s usually free and more accurate than any online estimate. For the best ROI on improvements, focus on what buyers see first: roof, paint, landscaping, and the front door. In Des Moines’s current market (23-day average sale time), move-in ready homes command a significant premium — often 5-10% above asking.
Des Moines Property Assessments & Taxes
Understanding your property assessment can help you challenge overvaluations and reduce your tax burden. Here’s how assessments work in Polk County.
| Assessment Authority | Polk County Assessor’s Office |
| Property Tax Rate | 2.44% of assessed value |
| Annual Tax on Median Home | $5,325 (approximate) |
| Assessment Cycle | Every 2-4 years |
Can improvements raise your taxes? Major improvements like additions can trigger reassessment. However, maintenance and repairs (roof replacement, painting, gutter work) typically do not increase your assessed value in Iowa.
Best Time to Buy or Sell in Des Moines
In Des Moines, the best time to sell is typically spring (March-May) when buyer activity peaks and homes show best with natural light and greenery. However, Des Moines’s market moves fast year-round — even winter listings sell in 23 days on average. If you’re planning improvements before selling, start 3-6 months out to complete work and let paint/landscaping settle before listing.
How We Estimate Home Values
Our Des Moines home value estimates are based on multiple data sources, updated quarterly:
- Property records: ATTOM property data including living area, lot size, bedrooms, year built, and sales history
- Market data: Recent comparable sales and listing prices in the Des Moines metro area
- Satellite measurements: Google Earth and proprietary AI models for roof area and exterior measurements
- Cost-vs-value data: National Association of Realtors and Remodeling Magazine cost-vs-value reports, adjusted for Iowa pricing
- Tax records: Polk County Assessor’s Office property assessment data
Estimates are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for a professional appraisal. Actual home values depend on condition, features, and current market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions — Des Moines Home Values
What is the median home value in Des Moines, IA?
The median home value in Des Moines, IA is $215,000 as of 2026, up 5.0% from the previous year. The average home has 2,572 square feet of living space, 3.2 bedrooms, and sits on a 9,415 square foot lot. Price per square foot averages $84, compared to the IA state average of $103.
How much are property taxes in Des Moines?
Property taxes in Des Moines (Polk County) are approximately 2.44% of assessed value. For the median home ($215,000), that comes to approximately $5,325 per year. Polk County assessments occur every 2-4 years. Note that routine maintenance (painting, roof replacement, gutter work) typically does not trigger a reassessment, while additions and major renovations may.
Is Des Moines a good place to buy a house in 2026?
Des Moines’s median home value of $215,000 offers reasonable affordability with 5.0% annual appreciation. The market is a balanced market with homes selling in 23 days on average, giving buyers limited time to make decisions.
What home improvements add the most value in Des Moines?
In Des Moines, roof replacement offers the best ROI at 67%, followed by interior/exterior painting at 146%. Solar panels can add 65% of their cost to your home value while also reducing energy bills. Curb appeal improvements consistently deliver the best returns in the Des Moines market.
How accurate are online home value estimates for Des Moines?
Online home value estimates for Des Moines typically fall within 5-10% of actual sale prices for standard properties. Our estimates use ATTOM property records, satellite measurements, and Polk County assessment data. For the most accurate valuation, combine our estimate with a comparative market analysis from a local Des Moines real estate agent.
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