Best Cities for Retirees in Iowa
Iowa ranks #8 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 77.8. Urbandale is its best city for retirees at 71.3.
- Iowa, all states
- #8 of 50
- Population
- 46,595
Why Iowa Works for Retirees
Iowa ranks #8 nationally for retirees, making it a top-ten destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's strong fiscal health (66/100) and moderate overall tax burden of 9.23% help retirement savings go further.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Iowa's health score of 60/100 is middling — life expectancy of 77.9 years is roughly in line with national norms, but healthcare quality varies by region. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 9.23% of income. The 3.8% income tax rate is relatively modest. Property taxes run 1.49% (effective rate), which is above average and can meaningfully affect housing costs for homeowners on fixed incomes.
Housing affordability is a clear draw — a typical home value of $239,547 makes it feasible to downsize and free up equity. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 80/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Urbandale | A+ | 71.3 | 69.9 | 61 | 77 | 74 | 46,595 |
| 2Marion | A+ | 69.7 | 67.3 | 61 | 63 | 82 | 41,896 |
| 3Ankeny | A+ | 69.3 | 69.0 | 63 | 80 | 73 | 72,615 |
| 4West Des Moines | A | 67.9 | 66.1 | 64 | 62 | 75 | 71,083 |
| 5Waukee | A+ | 67.8 | 70.9 | 68 | 71 | 71 | 29,236 |
| 6Bettendorf | A | 67.2 | 65.5 | 58 | 72 | 77 | 39,647 |
| 7Cedar Rapids | B+ | 62.7 | 60.3 | 51 | 51 | 85 | 137,264 |
| 8Cedar Falls | B+ | 59.8 | 61.5 | 55 | 45 | 80 | 40,888 |
| 9Dubuque | B | 59.7 | 58.6 | 57 | 45 | 85 | 59,174 |
| 10Mason City | B | 59.2 | 57.0 | 45 | 46 | 90 | 27,050 |
| 11Marshalltown | C+ | 58.6 | 54.0 | 38 | 44 | 91 | 27,626 |
| 12Ames | B+ | 57.1 | 60.8 | 62 | 20 | 80 | 67,669 |
| 13Des Moines | C | 55.4 | 52.0 | 43 | 41 | 81 | 212,421 |
| 14Sioux City | C+ | 54.5 | 54.6 | 43 | 42 | 87 | 86,101 |
| 15Fort Dodge | C | 53.7 | 50.1 | 43 | 37 | 92 | 24,827 |
| 16Waterloo | C | 52.7 | 49.8 | 36 | 35 | 88 | 67,008 |
| 17Davenport | C | 52.5 | 49.7 | 41 | 41 | 85 | 100,913 |
| 18Iowa City | B+ | 51.8 | 59.3 | 61 | 17 | 77 | 75,752 |
| 19Council Bluffs | C | 51.7 | 52.1 | 44 | 41 | 83 | 62,586 |
| 20Ottumwa | C | 50.4 | 51.6 | 38 | 35 | 91 | 25,430 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Iowa for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iowa a good state for retirees?
Iowa ranks #8 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 77.8/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (86/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (22/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Iowa?
Urbandale ranks #1 in Iowa for retirees with a score of 71.3/100, followed by Marion and Ankeny.
What factors are most important for retirees in Iowa?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.