Low Income & Subsidized Housing in West Des Moines, IA
There are 15 subsidized and income-restricted properties in West Des Moines with roughly 1,943 assisted units — including 9 project-based Section 8 buildings, 0 public housing developments, and 14 LIHTC tax-credit communities, according to HUD administrative data. Reported tenant-paid rents across these buildings range from about $384 to $384 per month.
Map of subsidized housing in West Des Moines
Complete directory of subsidized housing in West Des Moines
| Property | Units | Avg rent | Reported wait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country Club Village Project LIHTCPB Section 8 | 294 | — | — |
| Maple Grove Villas LIHTC | 240 | — | — |
| Sun Prairie Apts Iii LIHTC | 240 | — | — |
| Whisper Ridge LIHTCPB Section 8 | 208 | — | — |
| Elevate at Jordan Creek LIHTC | 180 | — | — |
| Sun Prairie Apts Vi LIHTCPB Section 8 | 120 | — | — |
| Valley West Apts. PB Section 8 | 105 | $384 | — |
| Chapel Ridge West Ii LIHTCPB Section 8 | 95 | — | — |
| Summerwood Apts LIHTC | 86 | — | — |
| Sun Prairie Apts V LIHTC | 81 | — | — |
| Chapel Ridge West I LIHTCPB Section 8 | 73 | — | — |
| Sun Prairie Apts Vii LIHTCPB Section 8 | 69 | — | — |
| Crestview Terrace LIHTCPB Section 8 | 55 | — | — |
| The Pointe on 88th LIHTC | 49 | — | — |
| Woodland West Apts LIHTCPB Section 8 | 48 | — | — |
Section 8 apartments in West Des Moines (project-based)
These buildings carry HUD Section 8 contracts attached to the units — apply at each management office rather than through the voucher waitlist. How project-based Section 8 works →
| Property | Units | Avg rent | Reported wait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country Club Village Project LIHTCPB Section 8 | 294 | — | — |
| Whisper Ridge LIHTCPB Section 8 | 208 | — | — |
| Sun Prairie Apts Vi LIHTCPB Section 8 | 120 | — | — |
| Valley West Apts. PB Section 8 | 105 | $384 | — |
| Chapel Ridge West Ii LIHTCPB Section 8 | 95 | — | — |
| Chapel Ridge West I LIHTCPB Section 8 | 73 | — | — |
| Sun Prairie Apts Vii LIHTCPB Section 8 | 69 | — | — |
| Crestview Terrace LIHTCPB Section 8 | 55 | — | — |
| Woodland West Apts LIHTCPB Section 8 | 48 | — | — |
LIHTC & affordable tax-credit apartments in West Des Moines
Tax-credit units rent below market rate for households within income bands (often 30–60% of Area Median Income). Understanding LIHTC →
| Property | Units | Avg rent | Reported wait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maple Grove Villas LIHTC | 240 | — | — |
| Sun Prairie Apts Iii LIHTC | 240 | — | — |
| Elevate at Jordan Creek LIHTC | 180 | — | — |
| Summerwood Apts LIHTC | 86 | — | — |
| Sun Prairie Apts V LIHTC | 81 | — | — |
| The Pointe on 88th LIHTC | 49 | — | — |
Voucher rent limits: Polk County Fair Market Rents
Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in this area derive from HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rents for Polk County: studio $1,063, 1-BR $1,109, 2-BR $1,318, 3-BR $1,794, 4-BR $1,841.
Full FMR table for Polk County →
How to apply for subsidized housing in West Des Moines
- Apply to buildings directly. Project-based Section 8, public housing, §202/§811 and LIHTC properties run their own waitlists — contact each office using the details on its page.
- Join voucher waitlists. Your regional housing authority administers Housing Choice Vouchers; ask about current openings and preferences. Step-by-step application guide →
- Document everything. ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and income proof speed up both paths.
- Stay reachable. Update your address everywhere — missed mail is the top reason applicants lose spots.
Nearby cities with low income housing
- Altoona, IA
- Ankeny, IA
- Des Moines, IA
- Grimes, IA
- Johnston, IA
- Pleasant Hill, IA
- Cedar Rapids, IA
- Davenport, IA
- Sioux City, IA
- Council Bluffs, IA
- Waterloo, IA
- Dubuque, IA
Data: HUD Picture of Subsidized Households & LIHTC database (2024 vintage). Figures are administrative averages — confirm current availability with each property.