See your real net paycheck in Des Moines for 2026. Break down federal tax, state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare, then view weekly, biweekly, and monthly take-home pay.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
Des Moines median household income: $62,000 · Avg 1BR rent: $1,050/mo
Iowa levies a state income tax (Flat 3.8%) that comes out of every Des Moines paycheck on top of federal tax and FICA. Iowa transitioned to a flat income tax rate of 3.8% for 2025, down from its previous graduated system. The state also fully exempts retirement income from state taxation.
| Gross Salary | Annual Take-Home | Monthly Take-Home | Effective Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $33,228 | $2,769 | 16.9% |
| $60,000 | $48,538 | $4,045 | 19.1% |
| $80,000 | $62,196 | $5,183 | 22.3% |
| $62,000 | $50,070 | $4,172 | 19.2% |
| $120,000 | $88,783 | $7,399 | 26.0% |
| $160,000 | $114,603 | $9,550 | 28.4% |
Single filer, standard deduction, no pre-tax deductions. Estimates only.
Des Moines is the capital and largest city in Iowa and a national insurance and financial-services capital, home to major insurers and asset managers, along with agribusiness, healthcare, and a growing technology and data-center base.
| Local Metric | Des Moines (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 210,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Polk County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 91 |
| Regional living wage, single adult | $19.50/hour |
| Regional living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $39.50/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $7.25/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,050/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,300/month |
| Median home price | $220,000 |
| Median household income | $62,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 7% |
| Effective property tax rate | 1.5% of value/year |
Local figures are 2026 estimates compiled from U.S. Census and Zillow housing data, and city and county sources. Verify current figures before relying on them.
On a $62,000 salary (single, standard deduction) in Des Moines, estimated take-home pay is roughly $50,070/year. With median household income near $62,000 and average 1-bedroom rent of $1,050/month, housing alone can take a large share of net pay.
Federal income tax and FICA (Social Security 6.2% up to $176,100, Medicare 1.45%) apply to every worker. Iowa state income tax (Flat 3.8%) also applies in Des Moines.
Des Moines does not impose a city income tax. Your paycheck reflects federal tax, Iowa state tax, and FICA.
For the 2025 tax year filed in 2026, the federal standard deduction is $15,000 (single) and $30,000 (married filing jointly). This calculator applies it before computing federal and state income tax.
Contribute more to a pre-tax 401(k) or 403(b), use an HSA or FSA, and claim eligible deductions. These reduce federal and Iowa state income tax, though most do not reduce Social Security or Medicare.