The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 50309 sells for about $308,500, or $229 per square foot.
Prices are roughly flat from a year ago (+1%), a market in balance. Homes take about 57 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,223 a month.
ZIP 50309 — Des Moines
The Des Moines housing market remains stable with a median sale price of $308,500, reflecting a modest 1% year-over-year increase. While inventory is slowly rising, demand in the urban core remains supported by employment stability, though the market is currently balanced rather than hyper-competitive.
This ZIP is ideal for young professionals and urban-dwelling commuters who prioritize proximity to downtown employment, nightlife, and cultural amenities over suburban space.
Median prices moved up 1.0% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 57 days on market with 4.1 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
19% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.9% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 4.4% · poverty 18.6% — a stable, low-distress profile.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 50309, Polk County IA
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
Des Moines reports a violent crime rate of 703 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 3,126 per 100,000, which is higher than most cities reporting to the FBI.
Schools in the area are part of the Des Moines Independent Community School District, which serves a diverse urban population with varying performance metrics across its facilities.
The area faces standard Midwestern climate risks, including potential for severe thunderstorms and localized flooding, with insurance premiums influenced by regional weather patterns.
The Des Moines economy is anchored by insurance, financial services, and government sectors, with ongoing urban revitalization efforts in the downtown core.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Iowa) — Iowa Property Tax Assessment Limitation: The taxable value is determined by applying an assessment limitation (rollback) to the assessed market value. The limitation is calculated annually to restrict the growth in aggregate taxable value for the residential class to 3% statewide.
As the central business district, 50309 offers high walkability and immediate access to major employment hubs, with transit connectivity provided by DART.
The ZIP features proximity to the Principal Riverwalk, various downtown parks, and the shopping and dining districts of the Historic East Village and Court Avenue.
The rental market is characterized by high demand due to the downtown employment concentration, with a mix of historic apartments and new luxury developments.
The local economy is driven by the insurance and financial services industries, with major employers including Principal Financial Group and various state government agencies.
The area serves as the central transit hub for the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART), providing extensive bus connectivity throughout the metro.
Ongoing development focuses on mixed-use residential and commercial infill projects within the downtown core to increase housing density.
The Polk County Assessor manages property valuations, utilizing a biennial assessment cycle to determine taxable values based on market conditions.
Parcels are subject to levies from the Des Moines Independent Community School District, Polk County, and the City of Des Moines.
Property insurance premiums in the region are sensitive to severe weather events, including wind and hail, which are common in Central Iowa.
Data retrieved from U.S. Census Bureau and ZIP-Codes.com profiles.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
A major urban trail and green space system along the Des Moines River.
A vibrant district featuring local boutiques, restaurants, and historic architecture.
The primary hub for downtown nightlife, dining, and the seasonal farmers market.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.