About This Property
Prairie Winds offers 72 two-bedroom apartments in Des Moines, serving low-income families since 2012. The property contains 71 designated low-income units and operates under professional management to provide stable housing options in Polk County.
Waitlist Information
Waitlist managed by Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency
The Public Housing waiting list is open for household sizes of two persons or less, specifically at Royal View Manor. Applications for 2, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom units are currently closed. Preferences include victims of violence, hate crime, natural disaster, involuntarily displaced, and working status. Eligibility requires applicants to be at least 18 years old, one household member a US citizen or eligible non-citizen, and no drug-related charges within five years.
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program waiting list is currently closed with no announced future opening date. It last accepted applications from November 17, 2022, until November 18, 2022, placing 4,500 applicants on the waiting list by random lottery. Mainstream Voucher preferences include non-elderly disabled persons who experienced homelessness and are in a HUD-funded program, Near-Elderly, Victims of Domestic Violence, and those terminated due to insufficient funding.
Waitlist data provided by section8waitlist.org
Updated July 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 Prairie Winds is typically 30% of household income or less.
What size apartments are available at Prairie Winds?+
Prairie Winds offers the following unit types: 72 Two-Bedroom units, for a total of 72 units.
Who is eligible to live at Prairie Winds?+
Prairie Winds primarily serves families. All applicants must also meet income eligibility requirements for the area. Contact the property for specific eligibility criteria.
Who manages Prairie Winds?+
Prairie Winds is managed by . You can reach them at . Visit their website for more information.
Is there a waitlist for Prairie Winds?+
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.
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. Actual rent at Prairie Winds may be lower for income-eligible households.
How do I apply for housing at Prairie Winds?+
Prairie Winds 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.
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.
Contact Information
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Nearby Schools
Ratings provided by GreatSchools.org. Ratings are on a 1-10 scale.
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