About This Property
Pioneer Woods is a 67-unit community in Des Moines that includes 66 low-income apartments serving families. The property, which has been in service since 2007, offers a mix of one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom units with 12 one-bedroom, 40 two-bedroom, 12 three-bedroom, and 2 four-bedroom apartments. The non-profit owned community is managed to provide affordable housing options in Polk County.
Waitlist Information
Waitlist managed by Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency
The waiting list for Royal View Manor (Efficiency/1-bedroom units) is open for family sizes of 2 persons or less. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, one household member a US citizen or eligible non-citizen, and no drug-related charges in the past five years.
The last opening utilized a random lottery for applicant placement. Preferences include non-elderly persons with disabilities who experienced homelessness and are in specific HUD-funded programs, and a potential preference for families terminated from the HCV program due to insufficient funding. Applicants with drug-related charges in the past two years will be denied.
Waitlist data provided by section8waitlist.org
Updated June 8, 2026
Property Details
Fair Market Rent - Polk County, IA
FMR represents the estimated amount needed to cover rent and utilities for a moderately-priced unit in this area.
| Bedrooms | FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio/Efficiency | $833 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,477 |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,481 |
Income Limits - Polk County, IA
Annual income limits by household size used to determine eligibility for affordable housing programs.
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $19,200
- Very Low (50%)
- $32,000
- Low (80%)
- $51,150
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $21,950
- Very Low (50%)
- $36,550
- Low (80%)
- $58,450
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $24,700
- Very Low (50%)
- $41,100
- Low (80%)
- $65,750
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $27,400
- Very Low (50%)
- $45,650
- Low (80%)
- $73,050
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $31,040
- Very Low (50%)
- $49,350
- Low (80%)
- $78,900
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $35,580
- Very Low (50%)
- $53,000
- Low (80%)
- $84,750
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $40,120
- Very Low (50%)
- $56,650
- Low (80%)
- $90,600
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $44,660
- Very Low (50%)
- $60,300
- Low (80%)
- $96,450
| Household | Extremely Low (30%) | Very Low (50%) | Low (80%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $19,200 | $32,000 | $51,150 |
| 2 Persons | $21,950 | $36,550 | $58,450 |
| 3 Persons | $24,700 | $41,100 | $65,750 |
| 4 Persons | $27,400 | $45,650 | $73,050 |
| 5 Persons | $31,040 | $49,350 | $78,900 |
| 6 Persons | $35,580 | $53,000 | $84,750 |
| 7 Persons | $40,120 | $56,650 | $90,600 |
| 8 Persons | $44,660 | $60,300 | $96,450 |
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Tax Credit Program Details
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average rent for affordable housing in Des Moines, IA?+
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Polk County, IA is: $833 (Studio), $899 (1BR), $1080 (2BR), $1477 (3BR), $1481 (4BR). Actual rent at subsidized properties like Pioneer Woods is typically 30% of household income or less.
What size apartments are available at Pioneer Woods?+
Pioneer Woods offers the following unit types: 12 One-Bedroom, 40 Two-Bedroom, 12 Three-Bedroom, 2 Four-Bedroom units, for a total of 67 units.
Is there a waitlist for Pioneer Woods?+
Public Housing waitlist is currently Open. Section 8 (HCV) waitlist is currently Closed. Waitlist status can change frequently, so check back regularly or contact the housing authority directly for the most up-to-date information.
How do I apply for housing at Pioneer Woods?+
Pioneer Woods is a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) property. To apply, you can start by calling , or visiting their website, or contacting the property management office. Contact the property to learn about availability and application requirements. Eligibility is based on income limits set for the area.
Who manages Pioneer Woods?+
Pioneer Woods is managed by . You can reach them at . Visit their website for more information.
What are the income limits for affordable housing in Polk County, IA?+
For a 4-person household in Polk County, IA, the income limits are: Extremely Low Income (30% AMI): $27,400, Very Low Income (50% AMI): $45,650, Low Income (80% AMI): $73,050. These limits are set by HUD and updated annually.
Who is eligible to live at Pioneer Woods?+
Pioneer Woods primarily serves families. All applicants must also meet income eligibility requirements for the area. Contact the property for specific eligibility criteria.
What is the price range for apartments in Des Moines, IA?+
Based on Fair Market Rent for Polk County, the estimated price range is: 1-bedroom: $899, 2-bedroom: $1080, 3-bedroom: $1477. Actual rent at Pioneer Woods may be lower for income-eligible households.
Contact Information
Walk Score
Almost All Errands Require a Car
Nearby Schools
Ratings provided by GreatSchools.org. Ratings are on a 1-10 scale.
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