The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 50316 sells for about $190,000, or $185 per square foot.
Prices are roughly flat from a year ago (+1%), a market in balance. Homes take about 13 days to sell, which is fast. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $952 a month.
ZIP 50316 — Des Moines
The 50316 housing market remains stable, characterized by high demand for entry-level homes and low inventory. Prices have seen modest year-over-year growth, supported by the area's affordability and proximity to the Des Moines employment core. Market conditions are balanced, with homes selling relatively quickly.
This ZIP code is well-suited for first-time homebuyers, budget-conscious families, and investors seeking entry-level properties. Its proximity to downtown makes it a practical choice for commuters looking for affordable housing options.
Median prices moved up 1.0% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 13 days on market with 3.6 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
15% 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 6.0% · poverty 17.9% — a mixed stability profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 8.0%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.2%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 50316, 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.
Crime rates in the 50316 area are generally higher than the national average, with property crime being the most frequently reported issue. Local law enforcement continues to focus on community-based policing to address these regional trends.
Schools serving the 50316 area are part of the Des Moines Independent Community School District, which offers a diverse range of educational programs but faces challenges with academic performance metrics compared to suburban districts.
The area is subject to standard Midwestern weather risks, including severe thunderstorms and occasional high winds. Flood risk is localized to specific low-lying areas near the Des Moines River basin.
Economic momentum is driven by the broader Des Moines metro area, which serves as a hub for insurance, financial services, and government employment. Infrastructure improvements are focused on maintaining connectivity to the downtown employment 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.
Residents in 50316 benefit from proximity to downtown Des Moines, typically resulting in a commute of 15-20 minutes by car. Public transit options are available via the DART bus system, providing access to the city's central business district.
The area features several local parks and green spaces, including proximity to the Des Moines River trails. Shopping and dining options are concentrated along major arterial roads, with larger retail centers accessible within a short drive.
The rental market in 50316 is characterized by steady demand for affordable single-family homes and duplexes. Vacancy rates remain low due to the area's affordability relative to the wider metro market.
The economy is anchored by the Des Moines metro's strong financial services and insurance sectors. Major employers include Principal Financial Group and various state government agencies.
The area is served by a network of arterial roads connecting to I-235, facilitating regional travel. DART provides public bus service throughout the city.
Development is focused on infill projects and the revitalization of older residential neighborhoods. City planning emphasizes improving walkability and local commercial access.
The Polk County Assessor's office conducts biennial property assessments to determine taxable values based on market data.
Parcels are subject to Des Moines Independent Community School District taxes and various municipal service districts.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by regional weather patterns, including wind and hail risk common in Iowa.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov for ZCTA 50316.
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.
- Adventureland Park4.36.1 mi
- Spare Time Des Moines4.211.4 mi
- Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park4.26.3 mi
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park4.310.5 mi
- B&B Theatres Ankeny 12 & B-Roll Bowling4.57.4 mi
- Iowa State Fairgrounds4.62.4 mi
- Adventureland Park4.36.1 mi
- Casey's Center4.51.7 mi
- Iowa Events Center4.51.8 mi
- Center Grove Orchard4.719.5 mi
- Adventureland Park4.36.1 mi
- Blank Park Zoo4.56.3 mi
- Iowa State Capitol4.81.3 mi
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden4.71.3 mi
- Science Center of Iowa4.42.3 mi
- Iowa State Capitol4.81.3 mi
- Science Center of Iowa4.42.3 mi
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park4.62.6 mi
- Des Moines Art Center4.64.7 mi
- Hoyt Sherman Place4.82.6 mi
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden4.71.3 mi
- Raccoon River Park4.77.8 mi
- Prairie Ridge Sports Complex4.59.4 mi
- ARL Animal Rescue League of Iowa4.33.5 mi
- Fort Des Moines Park4.66.3 mi
- Captain Roy's4.60.8 mi
- Saylorville Lake Marina4.711.5 mi
- Big Creek Marina4.616.4 mi
- Terrace Hills Golf Course4.49 mi
- Toad Valley Golf Course4.28.1 mi
- Beaver Creek Golf Club3.911.8 mi
- Woodland Hills Golf Course4.84.9 mi
- Golf Galaxy3.88.8 mi
- Jordan Creek Town Center4.511.1 mi
- Outlets of Des Moines4.35.3 mi
- Merle Hay Mall45.5 mi
- Hy-Vee Grocery Store4.32.2 mi
- Des Moines International Airport4.36.2 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
A large community park offering green space and recreational facilities.
Provides access to extensive biking and walking paths along the river.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.