Today's Average Rates — Iowa
Freddie Mac national averages as of November 12, 2026 (the 5/1 ARM figure is a market estimate). Your rate depends on credit, down payment, and lender.
Sample Monthly Payment in Iowa
15-Year vs 30-Year in Iowa
What a median Iowa home costs at today's rate
Zillow Home Value Index for Iowa, August 2026, combined with the Freddie Mac 30-year rate of 7.11% (November 12, 2026), Iowa's 1.57% effective property tax rate, and a $1,700/yr average insurance premium.
How to Get the Best Mortgage Rate in Iowa
Mortgage rates in Iowa closely track national averages, but the total monthly cost varies sharply because of state-specific property taxes (1.57%) and insurance premiums (averaging $1,700/year). To get the lowest rate available to you, compare offers from at least three lenders — small differences in APR add up to tens of thousands over a 30-year term.
What rate can I qualify for?
Lenders price your rate primarily on credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and loan-to-value ratio. A FICO score above 760 with 20% down typically qualifies for the best advertised rates. Below 680, expect a rate at least 0.5–1.0 percentage points higher than the headline average.
Should I buy mortgage points?
One discount point typically costs 1% of your loan and reduces your rate by ~0.25%. The breakeven is usually 5–7 years; if you'll stay in the Iowa home longer than that, points often save money.
Compare lenders before locking
Even within Iowa, lender rates can vary by 0.25–0.5 percentage points on the same credit profile. Online marketplaces like LendingTree and Credible let you see prequalified rates from multiple lenders without affecting your credit score.