Best Cities for Young Professionals in Iowa
Iowa ranks #15 of 50 for young professionals, with a young professionals score of 62.7. Waukee is its best city for young professionals at 71.2.
- Iowa, all states
- #15 of 50
- Population
- 29,236
Why Iowa Works for Young Professionals
Iowa ranks #15 out of 50 for young professionals, placing it in the upper tier for career-oriented relocators. The state's economy scores 49/100, with 3.5% unemployment and a median household income of $75,501. Modest population growth of 0.25% 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 87.8 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 28/100 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 | Walkability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Waukee | A+ | 71.2 | 70.9 | 71 | 95 | 36 | 29,236 |
| 2Urbandale | A+ | 66.7 | 69.9 | 73 | 57 | 52 | 46,595 |
| 3Ankeny | A+ | 66.3 | 69.0 | 72 | 62 | 44 | 72,615 |
| 4Marion | A+ | 64.8 | 67.3 | 61 | 52 | 59 | 41,896 |
| 5West Des Moines | A | 62.7 | 66.1 | 64 | 47 | 58 | 71,083 |
| 6Bettendorf | A | 62.5 | 65.5 | 67 | 57 | 40 | 39,647 |
| 7Cedar Rapids | B+ | 58.9 | 60.3 | 51 | 48 | 63 | 137,264 |
| 8Iowa City | B+ | 58.7 | 59.3 | 53 | 47 | 48 | 75,752 |
| 9Cedar Falls | B+ | 58.3 | 61.5 | 59 | 45 | 38 | 40,888 |
| 10Ames | B+ | 57.7 | 60.8 | 54 | 43 | 37 | 67,669 |
| 11Mason City | B | 57.7 | 57.0 | 52 | 43 | 66 | 27,050 |
| 12Dubuque | B | 56.6 | 58.6 | 52 | 49 | 39 | 59,174 |
| 13Sioux City | C+ | 54.8 | 54.6 | 52 | 41 | 64 | 86,101 |
| 14Fort Dodge | C | 53.0 | 50.1 | 48 | 42 | 73 | 24,827 |
| 15Des Moines | C | 52.6 | 52.0 | 48 | 40 | 61 | 212,421 |
| 16Council Bluffs | C | 50.8 | 52.1 | 48 | 44 | 35 | 62,586 |
| 17Ottumwa | C | 50.2 | 51.6 | 45 | 34 | 37 | 25,430 |
| 18Marshalltown | C+ | 49.2 | 54.0 | 31 | 24 | 63 | 27,626 |
| 19Davenport | C | 48.7 | 49.7 | 45 | 38 | 38 | 100,913 |
| 20Waterloo | C | 48.0 | 49.8 | 39 | 37 | 38 | 67,008 |
City young professionals 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.
Compare: States with Similar Young Professionals Rankings
Also See: Iowa for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iowa a good state for young professionals?
Iowa ranks #15 out of 50 for young professionals with a persona-weighted score of 62.7/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (86/100) and its weakest is Livability (28/100).
What is the best city for young professionals in Iowa?
Waukee ranks #1 in Iowa for young professionals with a score of 71.2/100, followed by Urbandale and Ankeny.
What factors are most important for young professionals in Iowa?
Rankings weighted toward job market strength, economic growth, affordable living, transportation, and vibrant community life — the factors that attract ambitious young professionals.