Best Cities for Young Professionals in Iowa
Why Iowa Works for Young Professionals
Iowa ranks #12 out of 50 for young professionals, placing it in the upper tier for career-oriented relocators. The state's economy scores 56/100, with 3% unemployment and a median household income of $72,429. Modest population growth of 0.4% suggests a stable but not booming market.
For young professionals, the equation comes down to earning potential versus cost of living. Iowa's cost-of-living index of 89 is significantly below the national average, meaning entry-level salaries go further here than in most metros. Growth metrics are moderate, so career advancement may depend more on specific industries than broad market expansion.
Beyond the paycheck, livability matters. Iowa's livability score of 35/100 is modest, which may matter to young professionals who value nightlife, dining, and cultural events. Transportation infrastructure scores well (56/100), with options beyond car dependency.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Young Professionals
| # | City | Grade | Young Professionals Score | Overall | Economy | Growth | Livability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Waukee | A+ | 76.4 | 69.8 | 77 | 97 | 68 | 26,974 |
| 2 | Ankeny | A+ | 67.9 | 65.7 | 76 | 72 | 50 | 74,455 |
| 3 | Urbandale | A+ | 66.5 | 65.7 | 77 | 64 | 45 | 46,026 |
| 4 | West Des Moines | A | 63.6 | 62.1 | 66 | 63 | 43 | 72,161 |
| 5 | Marion | A | 61.8 | 61.7 | 63 | 54 | 39 | 41,690 |
| 6 | Bettendorf | A | 60.5 | 61.1 | 70 | 53 | 38 | 39,297 |
| 7 | Cedar Falls | A | 60.5 | 60.2 | 61 | 54 | 38 | 40,662 |
| 8 | Ames | B+ | 59.6 | 57.6 | 56 | 56 | 38 | 65,676 |
| 9 | Cedar Rapids | B | 55.5 | 54.4 | 52 | 52 | 38 | 135,960 |
| 10 | Iowa City | B | 55.3 | 53.9 | 52 | 55 | 38 | 75,671 |
| 11 | Dubuque | B | 54.5 | 54.4 | 53 | 45 | 33 | 59,271 |
| 12 | Mason City | C+ | 53.5 | 52.8 | 54 | 45 | 32 | 27,135 |
| 13 | Sioux City | C+ | 53.3 | 50.1 | 53 | 51 | 37 | 85,172 |
| 14 | Des Moines | C | 51.7 | 47.9 | 50 | 53 | 39 | 210,363 |
| 15 | Council Bluffs | C+ | 51.5 | 50.6 | 53 | 46 | 33 | 62,564 |
| 16 | Ottumwa | C | 50.3 | 48.7 | 47 | 51 | 38 | 25,352 |
| 17 | Fort Dodge | C | 50.2 | 47.0 | 52 | 51 | 37 | 24,788 |
| 18 | Davenport | C | 49.4 | 47.2 | 50 | 45 | 35 | 100,361 |
| 19 | Waterloo | C | 49.3 | 47.6 | 41 | 49 | 38 | 66,604 |
| 20 | Marshalltown | C | 45.6 | 47.1 | 35 | 37 | 35 | 27,491 |