2026 BAH Rates in Iowa – ZIP Code Housing Allowance
The 2026 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 2026, 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.
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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 2026 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
