2025 BAH Rates in Iowa – ZIP Code Housing Allowance
The 2025 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates in Iowa are now live. These tax-free monthly allowances help military families afford housing off base, with rates based on ZIP code, pay grade, and dependency status. Whether you’re stationed near Camp Dodge, Rock Island Arsenal (Iowa side), or in the Des Moines area, you’ll find updated rates below.
In 2025, BAH rates across Iowa rose by an average of 5.4% — with slight increases in metro ZIP codes and stable coverage in smaller towns. For national trends, check out our military housing allowance update page. You can also explore your purchase options on our Iowa VA loan guide.
See how much home your BAH can buy
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What is the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)?
BAH is a tax-free monthly allowance that helps active-duty service members cover housing costs when living off base. In Iowa, BAH supports personnel living in civilian areas near installations like Camp Dodge or units operating out of Des Moines and Rock Island.
The figures are based on local rental market data and are set by ZIP code and dependency status.
How BAH Rates Are Calculated
- Location: Rental rates in ZIP codes like 50310 (Des Moines) and 52722 (Quad Cities) influence your BAH allowance.
- Rank: Higher-ranking personnel qualify for higher BAH to reflect expanded housing needs.
- Dependents: Members with dependents receive more BAH to support family housing costs.
How to Read the BAH Charts
- Look up your assigned ZIP code or MHA
- Match your pay grade (e.g., E-5, O-2)
- Select the correct column for “with” or “without” dependents
How to Use Your BAH to Buy a Home
In Iowa, where homes are often more affordable than in other states, your BAH might be enough to buy — not just rent. That’s why many military families use their allowance to qualify for a VA home loan instead of renewing a lease.
The VA loan offers benefits like:
- $0 down payment required in most cases
- No PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)
- Flexible credit guidelines for qualifying buyers
- Access to lower interest rates than most conventional loans
- Your BAH can cover most or all of your monthly mortgage
Whether you’re assigned to a unit near Des Moines or retiring in a nearby town, turning BAH into home equity could be your smartest move.
Iowa Housing Costs & BAH Impact
Iowa has one of the most affordable housing markets in the country, which means BAH often covers the full cost of rent — especially near Camp Dodge and in rural areas. In ZIPs around Des Moines or the Iowa side of Rock Island Arsenal, rent has risen modestly, and 2025 BAH increases reflect those shifts. Overall, Iowa’s BAH provides stable housing support across the state, often giving military families some breathing room in their budgets.
DES MOINES, IA BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: IA082
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,425 | $1,107 |
| E02 | $1,425 | $1,107 |
| E03 | $1,425 | $1,107 |
| E04 | $1,425 | $1,107 |
| E05 | $1,629 | $1,221 |
| E06 | $2,055 | $1,542 |
| E07 | $2,136 | $1,602 |
| E08 | $2,220 | $1,719 |
| E09 | $2,346 | $1,839 |
| W01 | $2,076 | $1,557 |
| W02 | $2,172 | $1,716 |
| W03 | $2,274 | $1,857 |
| W04 | $2,376 | $2,070 |
| W05 | $2,499 | $2,154 |
| O01E | $2,148 | $1,626 |
| O02E | $2,262 | $1,812 |
| O03E | $2,391 | $2,049 |
| O01 | $1,686 | $1,266 |
| O02 | $2,052 | $1,605 |
| O03 | $2,271 | $1,902 |
| O04 | $2,538 | $2,133 |
| O05 | $2,724 | $2,178 |
| O06 | $2,745 | $2,256 |
| O07 | $2,766 | $2,295 |
BAH for DES MOINES, IA includes the following zip codes: 50007, 50009, 50021, 50023, 50032, 50035, 50073, 50111, 50131, 50169, 50226, 50237, 50243, 50265, 50266, 50301, 50302, 50303, 50304, 50305, 50306, 50307, 50308, 50309, 50310, 50311, 50312, 50313, 50314, 50315, 50316, 50317, 50318, 50319, 50320, 50321, 50322, 50323, 50324, 50325, 50327, 50328, 50329, 50330, 50331, 50332, 50333, 50334, 50335, 50336, 50339, 50340, 50359, 50360, 50361, 50362, 50363, 50364, 50367, 50368, 50369, 50380, 50381, 50391, 50392, 50393, 50394, 50395, 50396, 50398, 50936, 50940, 50947, 50980, 50981, 50982, 50983
2025 BAH FAQs for Iowa
How much did BAH increase in Iowa for 2025?
BAH in Iowa rose by 5.4% this year, mostly in metro ZIP codes like Des Moines and the Quad Cities area.
Where is BAH highest in Iowa?
BAH is typically highest near the Quad Cities (52722) and ZIPs near Des Moines (50310).
What’s the BAH for an E-5 with dependents in Des Moines?
As of 2025, an E-5 with dependents in Des Moines receives around $1,893/month.
Does BAH cover rent in Iowa?
Yes. In most ZIP codes, BAH fully covers rent and utilities, especially in rural areas.
Do all service members qualify for BAH?
Yes, if living off base or not assigned to government quarters.
Can BAH be used as income for a VA loan?
Absolutely. Lenders accept BAH as stable income when qualifying for a home loan.
Is BAH taxed in Iowa?
No. BAH is a non-taxable allowance and is not reported as income on your tax return.
What’s the MHA for Camp Dodge?
Camp Dodge is part of MHA IA037, covering ZIP code 50310 and surrounding areas.
When do BAH rates update?
New BAH rates go into effect every January and are reviewed annually by the Department of Defense.
Can I use BAH to buy instead of rent?
Yes. In many cases, BAH can cover your mortgage payment with a VA loan.
