Zip Code 50315

Des Moines, IAPolk County

Real Estate Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$215,019 (Des Moines Township, June 2025)
Median Home Value
~33,000 (est. for 50315)
Population
$58,000 (est. for 50315, below metro avg)
Median Income
Average (C+ to B- on most rating sites)
School District Rating

Market Statistics

Property Values

$215,019 (Des Moines Township, June 2025)
Median Home Value
$1,250–$1,400 (estimated, based on metro trends)
Median Rent
$191 (June 2025)
Price per Sq Ft

Market Performance

Home Appreciation+3.4% year-over-year (June 2025)
Market Velocity3.1-month supply metro-wide; inventory down 7% MoM (June 2025)
Foreclosure RateLow, below national average (metro trend)

Area Information

Area SizeUrban/suburban mix, part of South/East Des Moines submarket
CountyPolk
Primary CityDes Moines

Housing Profile

Housing Statistics

Total Housing UnitsApprox. 6,000–7,000 (est. for 50315)
Owner Occupied~60% (metro trend)
Rental Properties~40% (metro trend, higher in multifamily areas)
Vacant UnitsLow, with vacancy tightening as inventory drops
New ConstructionSlowed sharply; only 1,291 units under construction metro-wide Q1 2025, with South/East Des Moines getting ~33% of new deliveries[1]

Housing Types

Single-family homesDuplexesSmall multifamily buildingsNewer luxury apartments

Demographics

~33,000 (est. for 50315)
Population
34 (metro trend, slightly younger than state avg)
Median Age
$58,000 (est. for 50315, below metro avg)
Median Income
Strong, unemployment below 4% (metro trend)
Employment Rate
High school diploma or higher: 89%; Bachelor’s or higher: 22% (metro trend)
Education Levels
Mix of families, singles, and retirees; growing Hispanic and immigrant communities
Family Composition

Education Quality

School District Performance

Average (C+ to B- on most rating sites)
District Rating
School DistrictDes Moines Public Schools
Test ScoresBelow state average, but improving in some schools
Graduation Rates~80% (district avg)

Schools in Area

  • Lincoln High School
  • Jefferson Elementary
  • St. Anthony Catholic School

Economic Factors

Employment & Business

Job GrowthModerate, stable growth projected for 2025
Unemployment Rate~3.7% (metro, Q2 2025)
Business EnvironmentSupportive for small businesses; some new retail and service openings
Commercial ActivitySteady, with some new retail and service sector growth

Major Employers

  • Wells Fargo
  • Principal Financial Group
  • MercyOne
  • UnityPoint Health
  • Des Moines Public Schools

Infrastructure & Quality of Life

Infrastructure

Transportation Access

  • I-235, Hwy 5, Hwy 69
  • DART public transit

Utilities & Services

  • MidAmerican Energy (electric/gas)
  • Des Moines Water Works
  • City waste/recycling

Quality of Life

Safety & Environment

Moderate; property crime above state avg, violent crime near metro avg

Good air and water quality; some industrial pockets

Healthcare Access

  • MercyOne South
  • UnityPoint South
  • Multiple clinics and urgent care

Development Trends

Planned Developments

  • Selective infill multifamily projects
  • Retail redevelopment near Southridge Mall

Infrastructure Projects

  • Road resurfacing on SW 9th St
  • Transit improvements

Investment Outlook

Growth Outlook

Moderate, with stabilization after rapid growth period[1]

Investment Opportunities

  • Value-add multifamily
  • Affordable single-family flips
  • Retail pad redevelopment

Marketing Intelligence

Target Demographics

  • First-time buyers
  • Young families
  • Investors seeking cash flow
  • Renters transitioning to ownership

Competitive Advantages

  • Lower price point than western suburbs
  • Diverse housing stock
  • Strong rental demand

Pricing Strategies

Competitive pricing below metro median; incentives for first-time buyers

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: School ratings are average or below state average.

Response Strategy:

Highlight recent improvements, school choice options, and proximity to private/parochial schools.

Objection: Crime rates are higher than some suburbs.

Response Strategy:

Provide neighborhood-level data, emphasize active community policing, and highlight safer pockets within 50315.

Objection: Older housing stock may need updates.

Response Strategy:

Showcase renovated properties and available renovation loans; emphasize value-add potential.

Professional Recommendations

1

Emphasize affordability and rental demand to investors.

2

Highlight renovated and move-in-ready homes to first-time buyers.

3

Use neighborhood-level data to address safety and school concerns.

4

Leverage new construction and infill projects for buyers seeking modern amenities.

5

Stay updated on zoning and development changes for value-add opportunities.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • West Des Moines (50265, 50266)
  • Altoona (50009)
  • Urbandale (50322)

Market Positioning

Affordable, accessible, and diverse urban-suburban neighborhood

Competitive Advantages

  • Lower entry price
  • Proximity to downtown
  • Diverse housing options

Price Comparison

50315 median home value is 10–20% below West Des Moines and Urbandale

Investment Metrics

6.0–7.5% (multifamily, 2025)
Cap Rates
6–7% gross yield (single-family)
Rental Yields
~13–15 (favorable for investors)
Price-to-Rent
Strong, especially for value-add and small multifamily
Cash Flow
2–4% annual (2025–2026)
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Attracted by affordability and FHA/VA loan options; may need education on renovation loans.

Move-Up Buyers

Seek larger homes or new builds; may compare to western suburbs for schools.

Downsizers

Value single-level homes and proximity to healthcare/services.

Investors

Target small multifamily and value-add single-family; strong rental demand.

Relocators

Drawn by job growth and lower cost of living; may need orientation to local amenities.

This zip code analysis was generated using comprehensive market data and AI intelligence.

Market conditions change rapidly - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

Related Market Intelligence

Explore connected markets and opportunities