Merle Hay Apartments (aka Lillis Lofts) — Income-Restricted Housing in Urbandale, IA 50322
6313 Douglas Avenue, Urbandale, IA 50322
43 units · 38 income-restricted · 2–3 BR
How to apply
- No phone is listed. Try visiting the property or asking the city housing office how to apply.
- These records do not show openings — call to confirm vacancies and waiting lists.
At this building
- Opened
- 2021
- Income limit
- 60% AMI
- Bedrooms
- 25 2 bedrooms · 18 3 bedrooms
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Nearby income-restricted buildings
Cross Creek Apts of Urbandale
8714 Meredith Dr, Urbandale, IA 50322
2 mi away
120 units · 118 income-restricted · 1–3 BR
- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
Westminster House II
5631 Francis Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310
1.2 mi away
15 units · 1 BR · People with disabilities
Johnston Crossing II
5509 NW Johnston Drive, Johnston, IA 50131
2 mi away
50 units · 45 income-restricted · 1–2 BR
Johnston Crossing
5409 Johnston Drive NW, Johnston, IA 50131
2 mi away
50 units · 45 income-restricted · 1–2 BR
Westminster House III
940 Cummins Parkway, Des Moines, IA 50312
2.4 mi away
15 units · 1 BR · People with disabilities
Oakview Terrace Apts
3211 30th St, Des Moines, IA 50310
2.4 mi away
233 units · 232 income-restricted · Studio–3 BR
Uplift Manor Apartments
2916 30th St, Des Moines, IA 50310
2.4 mi away
24 units · 1–2 BR · People with disabilities
Rents and income limits in 50322
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,400/mo
- Income needed to pay it at 30% of income
- $56,000/yr
- Renters in 50322 paying 30% or more of income on rent
- 47%
Income limits (2026)
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area · median family income $116,400. Your household's yearly income before taxes must be at or below the limit.
| People | Extremely low 30% | Very low 50% | Low 80% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $24,450 | $40,750 | $65,200 |
| 2 | $27,950 | $46,600 | $74,500 |
| 3 | $31,450 | $52,400 | $83,800 |
| 4 | $34,900 | $58,200 | $93,100 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $62,900 | $100,550 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $67,550 | $108,000 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $72,200 | $115,450 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $76,850 | $122,900 |
Section 8 vouchers: up to the 50% limit, and most go to households under 30%. Public housing: up to 80%. Tax-credit apartments: usually up to 60% of median income, between the 50% and 80% columns.
Fair market rents (2027)
HUD's estimate of rent plus utilities for a modest home. Housing authorities set Section 8 voucher limits from it.
| Size | 50322 | Wider area |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,130 | $1,102 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,180 | $1,145 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,400 | $1,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,910 | $1,856 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,960 | $1,901 |
Wider area = Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA. Two-bedroom fair market rents in 12 nearby ZIPs range from $1,160 (50314) to $1,790 (50323).
Census figures for 50322 (2020–2024 average): median rent $1,186. Median household income $92,085. 27% of homes are rented. 47% of renters pay 30% or more of their income on rent, and 27% pay half or more.
Census median rent is what renters here actually pay, including long-term leases. Fair market rent is HUD's estimate for a modest apartment available now.
Sources: HUD income limits FY2026; HUD Fair Market Rents FY2027 (Small Area FMR for ZIP figures); U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year 2020–2024. Each program and building can set its own limits — confirm with the property.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share
Project-based Section 8 is on the buildings above. A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority, then find a landlord who takes it. Your share of rent is based on income — not always 30%. The calculator uses 50322's fair market rent.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share for 50322Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Merle Hay Apartments (aka Lillis Lofts)?
No phone is listed for Merle Hay Apartments (aka Lillis Lofts). Try the city housing office or, for USDA rural properties, USDA's Multifamily Housing search. These records do not show openings.
Is Merle Hay Apartments (aka Lillis Lofts) Section 8 housing?
Merle Hay Apartments (aka Lillis Lofts) is listed as income-restricted housing in Urbandale, IA 50322 (lihtc). It is not labeled as project-based Section 8 in this file. Call to ask which programs they run.
How many units are at Merle Hay Apartments (aka Lillis Lofts)?
Public records list 43 units at Merle Hay Apartments (aka Lillis Lofts) in Urbandale, IA 50322. That is a building size, not a count of open apartments.
Are there other affordable apartments near Merle Hay Apartments (aka Lillis Lofts)?
Yes — this page lists other income-restricted buildings in 50322 and nearby ZIP codes. Open a nearby card for the address and phone. Lists still do not show vacancies.
People Also Ask
How do I get into Merle Hay Apartments (aka Lillis Lofts)?
Call the number on this page and ask about the waiting list or how to apply at Merle Hay Apartments (aka Lillis Lofts) in Urbandale, IA 50322. Public housing is through the housing authority. Bring ID and income documents when they tell you to. This site cannot submit an application for you.
How do I qualify for affordable housing in Urbandale, IA 50322?
Most income-restricted buildings in Urbandale, IA 50322 serve households at or below 50% or 80% of area median income. HUD's 2026 very low-income (50%) limit for a 1-person household is $40,750, and $58,200 for a 4-person household. Public housing can go up to 80% ($65,200 for 1 person). Each building sets its own cap — call to confirm before you apply. Citizenship, household size, and local preferences can also apply.
What is the income limit for low-income housing in Urbandale, IA 50322?
For many programs in Urbandale, IA 50322, the 2026 HUD very low-income (50%) limit is $40,750 a year for 1 person and $58,200 for 4 people. The low-income (80%) limit is $65,200 for 1 person. Tax-credit buildings often use 60% of median income. Confirm with the property — they can be stricter.
How much rent do you pay for low-income housing in Urbandale, IA 50322?
In public housing and most Section 8 in Urbandale, IA 50322, tenants typically pay about 30% of adjusted income. HUD's 2027 fair market rent for a 2-bedroom near Urbandale, IA 50322 is $1,400 a month (rent plus utilities for a modest unit). Tax-credit apartments use set rents below market, not always 30% of income. Call the building for the actual rent; this site is not a vacancy or price list.
Does Merle Hay Apartments (aka Lillis Lofts) take Section 8 vouchers?
This file does not say that Merle Hay Apartments (aka Lillis Lofts) has a project-based Section 8 contract. Some landlords in Urbandale, IA 50322 accept Housing Choice Vouchers; you have to ask. Apply for a voucher with the housing authority, then call Merle Hay Apartments (aka Lillis Lofts).
Sources: HUD LIHTC database, 2024 (released Apr 2026); HUD Multifamily Assisted Properties, Oct 2026. Not affiliated with HUD or USDA. Details can be out of date — confirm with the property before applying. Report a correction. To add a different building, use the suggestion rubric.