2

Dallas Center, IA Homes for Rent

Section Image
  • /4

    $1,000 Per Month

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,124 Sq Ft
    • Condo for Rent

    1201 Laurel St Unit B, Dallas Center, IA 50063

    Duplex For Rent! 1 BR/1 BA duplex with garage. Laundry in unit. Some small pets allowed. Managed by Iowa West Realty

    1201 Laurel St Unit B, Dallas Center, IA 50063
  • /5

    $900 Per Month

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 700 Sq Ft
    • Condo for Rent

    1401 Walnut St Unit 2, Dallas Center, IA 50063

    Remodeled downtown apartment! 1 BR/1 BA Apartment for rent. Water/sewer/trash included. Some small pets allowed. Managed by Iowa West Realty

    1401 Walnut St Unit 2, Dallas Center, IA 50063

Why Live in Dallas Center

Dallas Center, IA, located about 30 miles west of downtown Des Moines, is a small city known for its privacy and spacious land. The flat streets are lined with mature maple and beech trees, creating a picturesque setting. Central to the community is the Heartland Co-Op’s grain elevator, reflecting the area's agricultural roots. Nearby, Heritage Park and the Roy R. Estle Memorial Library offer local attractions. Homes in Dallas Center range from historic styles near the park to newer developments on the outskirts, including ranch-style and traditional residences. Dining options along Walnut Street include Sugar Grove Goods, Korner Kone Eats N’ Treats, Five Points Bar and Grill, and The HandleBar. For groceries, residents can visit Casey’s and The Baker’s Pantry or drive to nearby Aldi and Fareway Meat and Grocery. The Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District serves the area with highly rated schools such as Dallas Center Elementary, Dallas Center-Grimes Middle School, Dallas Center-Grimes Oak View, and Dallas Center-Grimes High School. Parks like Mound Park and Burnett Recreational Complex provide recreational facilities, while the Brenton Arboretum and Raccoon River Valley Trail offer outdoor exploration. Annual events include an Easter egg hunt, Christmas celebration, and Fall Festival. Commuting to Des Moines is facilitated by State Route 44 and R Avenue, with Des Moines International Airport 30 miles away. Although Dallas County faces a relatively high risk of winter weather and strong winds, other environmental risks are low-to-moderate according to FEMA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Dallas Center, IA?
The median rent for a home in Dallas Center, IA is $950 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of September 2026, condos tend to be the most affordable option.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Dallas Center, IA?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Dallas Center, IA, a household needs to earn roughly $38,000 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $950 per month in Dallas Center, IA, renters typically need to show $2,850 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Dallas Center, IA?
In Dallas Center, IA, the price-to-rent ratio is 23.4, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.
What neighborhoods in Dallas Center, IA are best for renting a home?
The best neighborhood for renting in Dallas Center, IA depends on your priorities: commute, walkability, budget, and lifestyle all play a role. Popular areas for renting a home include Northwest Johnston, Southwest Johnston, North District, Central Johnston and Merle Hay, each with its own character and price range.

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
2
Median Rent
$950
Median Condo Rent
$950
How to Rent a Home