WhereCanIAffordDes Moines, IA › On $50,000

Is Des Moines, IA affordable on a $50,000 salary?

NO On $50,000/yr, the typical $296,974 home in Des Moines, IA needs $89,218/yr ($2,082/mo). Your gap: $-39,218 — housing would be 50% of your gross income.

The math

296,974 price − 10% down (29,697) = 267,277 loan
30-yr fixed at 6.69% on 267,277 = 1,723/mo principal+interest
+ 359/mo est. taxes+insurance (1.45%/yr of value — national placeholder)
2,082/mo PITI ÷ 0.28 = 7,435/mo → 89,218/yr required

against Zillow ZHVI 2026-06 and the 6.69% FRED 30-yr rate (2026-08-06).

What salary WOULD clear Des Moines, IA?

You need about $89,218/yr for the typical home. That's $39,218 more than $50,000.

On $25,000? On $75,000? On $100,000?

See the full Des Moines, IA affordability breakdown → or every metro you can afford on $50,000 →