Des Moines County, IA Property Records
Property records in Des Moines, Iowa provide key details about real estate parcels, including ownership history, legal descriptions, assessed values, property tax information, sales data, land use, and building characteristics. These records are useful for buyers, sellers, homeowners, real estate professionals, researchers, and anyone verifying property ownership, estimating taxes, or reviewing assessment information.
Official property records for most Des Moines properties are maintained by Polk County offices, including the Assessor, Treasurer, and Recorder, depending on the type of information needed. Users can begin with the Polk County Assessor’s Des Moines property records search to look up parcel and assessment details. For properties located in the small portion of Des Moines within Warren County, users should consult the appropriate Warren County government office for official records.
Des Moines County, IA Property Records & Statistics
Des Moines County has a median rent of $867, higher than Iowa's $739 and the national $840.25. Renter-occupied housing makes up 25.67% of occupied homes, above the state's 19.29% and the national 21.81%, so rentals are a larger part of the local market than in most of Iowa.
The median home value of $168,100 exceeds the state's $134,900 and sits just below the national $173,750. The median property tax rate of 1.26% is almost the same as Iowa's 1.27% and higher than the national 0.74%.
The median household income of $73,442 is above the state's $67,426 and the national $65,108. The unemployment rate of 1.28% is well below Iowa's 1.88% and the national 2.87%.
Taken together, the figures describe a county with higher rents and home values than the state, strong incomes, very low unemployment, and a sizable rental population.
Median Rent
Median Property Tax Rate
Median Home Value
Median Income
Unemployment Rate
Renter Occupied Housing
How to Search Des Moines County, IA Property Records
The Des Moines County Recorder's Office, 513 N. Main Street in Burlington, maintains the county's recorded real estate documents and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Recorded records typically include deeds, mortgages, and related instruments that show ownership and lien history.
The Des Moines County Recorder's Office website is the official source for office services and contacts. The Recorder forms page provides the paperwork used for recording documents and related requests.
To search, have a property address, owner name, or document type ready and share the most complete details you have with the office. Staff can help trace a property's recorded history and point you to other county offices for assessment or tax questions.
For help locating a record, call the Recorder at 319-753-8221.
Des Moines Registrar of Deeds
The Des Moines County Probate Office is located at 513 N. Main Street, Burlington, IA, 52601 and can be reached at 319-753-8221. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Records can be accessed through the official website desmoinescounty.iowa.gov.
Des Moines County Recorder’s Office
Des Moines County Property Records FAQ
How can I search Des Moines County property records by address?
Call the Des Moines County Recorder's Office at 319-753-8221 or visit 513 N. Main Street, Burlington, with the property address, and staff can help find related deeds and mortgages. The Recorder's website lists office information.
How can I find property owners in Des Moines County?
Owners appear on recorded deeds held by the Recorder's Office. Ask staff for the most recent deed on a parcel to see who holds title. Start at the Des Moines County Recorder's page or call 319-753-8221, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
How can I check a property's assessed value in Des Moines County?
Assessed values are kept by the county assessor rather than the Recorder. Call the Recorder's Office at 319-753-8221 and staff can direct you to the assessor's office, which can explain how a property's value was set.
Where can I find Des Moines County property tax bills and payment records?
Property tax bills and payments are handled by the county treasurer, not the Recorder. Call 319-753-8221 and staff can provide the treasurer's contact details in Burlington, or use the county website to find departments.
How can I find deeds and other recorded documents in Des Moines County?
The Recorder's Office records deeds, mortgages, assignments, and releases. Visit 513 N. Main Street, Burlington, weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, or call 319-753-8221. The forms page provides recording paperwork.
Where can I access Des Moines County parcel maps and GIS information?
Call the Recorder's Office at 319-753-8221 to ask which county department maintains the current parcel map or GIS viewer, or start from the county Recorder page. Parcel maps are for reference and are not legal surveys.
How can I check permits and zoning information in Des Moines County?
Permits and zoning are handled by county zoning staff or by the city if the property is in Burlington or another town, not by the Recorder. Call 319-753-8221 for the right contact, and confirm requirements before building or changing a property's use.
How can I create a list of property owners in Des Moines County?
Records are searched one property or name at a time, so lists are built by reviewing recorded deeds for each parcel. For larger or bulk requests, contact the Des Moines County Recorder's Office at 319-753-8221 to ask what is available.