
About This Property
The Meadows offers 48 low-income units in Des Moines serving families with a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments. The property has been in service since 2004 and receives funding through HOME and 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. This community provides affordable rental housing options in Polk County.
Waitlist Information
Waitlist managed by Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency
Applications are only being accepted for household sizes of two persons or less. General eligibility requires applicants to be at least 18, a US citizen or eligible non-citizen, and have no drug-related charges in the past five years.
When open, preferences may be given to non-elderly persons with disabilities who previously experienced homelessness and are current clients in a HUD-funded permanent supportive housing or rapid rehousing program. Other potential preferences include near-elderly and victims of domestic violence.
Waitlist data provided by section8waitlist.org
Updated May 9, 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 |
Advertisement
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 The Meadows is typically 30% of household income or less.
What size apartments are available at The Meadows?+
The Meadows offers the following unit types: 20 Two-Bedroom, 23 Three-Bedroom, 5 Four-Bedroom units, for a total of 48 units.
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 The Meadows?+
The Meadows 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: 2-bedroom: $1080, 3-bedroom: $1477. Actual rent at The Meadows may be lower for income-eligible households.
Is there a waitlist for The Meadows?+
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 The Meadows?+
The Meadows 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 The Meadows?+
The Meadows is managed by . You can reach them at . Visit their website for more information.
Contact Information
Walk Score
Almost All Errands Require a Car
Nearby Schools
Ratings provided by GreatSchools.org. Ratings are on a 1-10 scale.
More Affordable Housing Near The Meadows

Southridge Senior Residences
Des Moines, IA
56 Units
Melbourne Apts Phase Ii
Des Moines, IA
62 Units
Southern Knolls Apts
Des Moines, IA
72 Units
Elmcrest Apts
Des Moines, IA
78 Units
Melbourne Apartments Iii
Des Moines, IA
72 Units
Melbourne Apts Phase I
Des Moines, IA
84 Units