IowaPop. 137,264Mid-size cities
Is Cedar Rapids a Good Place to Live? Cedar Rapids, Iowa: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Cedar Rapids ranks #383 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #52 of 256 mid-size cities and #9 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($967/mo, #7 of 256) and low living costs (89, #11 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Cedar Rapids by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Cedar Rapids's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids's cost of living index is 89, 11% below the US level of 100 and #166 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $967/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $212,086, 11% below the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
| Measure | Cedar Rapids | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 89#166 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $212,086#143 of 1,187 | $239,547 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,291/mo#158 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $187,100#190 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $967/mo#174 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 2.7x#91 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 16.5%#128 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Cedar Rapids housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Cedar Rapids is in the Cedar Rapids, IA metro.
Iowa housing market →Is Cedar Rapids safe?
Cedar Rapids recorded 265 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 19% below the US rate of 328 and 13% above Iowa's 234. That ranks #495 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #88 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cedar Rapids Police Department. Property crime runs 2,135 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Cedar Rapids | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 265#495 of 1,085 | 234 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,135#745 of 1,085 | 1,172 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Cedar Rapids?
The median household in Cedar Rapids earns $70,424, 15% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Cedar Rapids | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $70,424#808 of 1,312 | $75,501 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 10.8%#562 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.7%#317 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Cedar Rapids?
The median resident of Cedar Rapids is 37.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 33.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #686 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Cedar Rapids | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37.3 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 33.1%#686 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 68.5% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Cedar Rapids's schools and health?
Cedar Rapids's 40 public schools graduate 91.9% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $13,949 spent per pupil. 36.3% of adults are obese and 11.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Cedar Rapids | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 91.9%#274 of 1,063 | 89.9% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.6#561 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $13,949#713 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 36.3%#895 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.1%#639 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.4%#730 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 7.2%#280 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 20,468 students are enrolled in Cedar Rapids's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Cedar Rapids?
The average commute in Cedar Rapids is 18.6 minutes (Iowa 20.4); 0.8% of workers take transit and 12.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Cedar Rapids scores 12.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #342 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.2°F and winters 23°F, with 35.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Cedar Rapids | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 18.6 min#231 of 1,312 | 20.4 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.3%#446 of 1,312 | 4.5% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 76.6% | 76.6% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.2% | 3.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 12.9% | 9.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.9#342 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27.9 | 11.3 | 1 |
| Feb | 32.6 | 15.5 | 1.2 |
| Mar | 46.3 | 26.8 | 2 |
| Apr | 60.1 | 37.6 | 3.6 |
| May | 71.1 | 49.5 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 80.1 | 59.7 | 5.6 |
| Jul | 82.8 | 62.7 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 81.2 | 60.4 | 4.1 |
| Sep | 74.7 | 51.9 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 61.5 | 39.9 | 2.9 |
| Nov | 46.2 | 27.7 | 2 |
| Dec | 33.3 | 17.1 | 1.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cedar Rapids Muni Airport.
| Measure | Cedar Rapids | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 48.3°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 71.2°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 23°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 35.9 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cedar Rapids Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Cedar Rapids?
Linn County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Linn County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Cedar Rapids | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 5#726 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.11%#334 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Linn County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Linn County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.021% | 89% of counties |
| Hail | 0.011% | 86% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0025% | 58% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.065% | 28% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Cedar Rapids compare with similar-size cities?
Cedar Rapids is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #52 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 137,264.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #383 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 | 18.6 min |
| Warren, MIPop. 137,928 | #1032 | 49.4 | $64,016 | $1,225/mo | 497 | 24.9 min |
| Hampton, VAPop. 137,557 | #694 | 55.0 | $69,621 | $1,427/mo | 276 | 22.5 min |
| Elizabeth, NJPop. 137,302 | #858 | 52.3 | $66,555 | $1,523/mo | 345 | 26.7 min |
| Stamford, CTPop. 137,144 | #117 | 67.9 | $111,586 | $2,276/mo | 154 | 28.5 min |
| Pasadena, CAPop. 136,969 | #783 | 53.5 | $105,192 | $2,265/mo | 419 | 26.9 min |
| Midland, TXPop. 136,640 | #579 | 56.9 | $89,585 | $1,434/mo | 352 | 20.1 min |
| Dayton, OHPop. 136,579 | #1289 | 38.5 | $45,247 | $918/mo | 1,230 | 20.3 min |
| Coral Springs, FLPop. 136,103 | #509 | 57.9 | $93,602 | $2,084/mo | 119 | 29.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Cedar Rapids compare with the rest of Iowa?
Cedar Rapids ranks #9 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 60.3 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 7% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 13% above the statewide rate. Homes are 11% below the typical Iowa home.
| City | Rank in IA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukee, IAPop. 29,236 | #1 | 70.9 | $101,029 | $1,383/mo | 139 |
| Urbandale, IAPop. 46,595 | #2 | 69.9 | $112,795 | $1,211/mo | 122 |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #3 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 |
| Marion, IAPop. 41,896 | #4 | 67.3 | $86,743 | $961/mo | 126 |
| West Des Moines, IAPop. 71,083 | #5 | 66.1 | $86,594 | $1,237/mo | 147 |
| Bettendorf, IAPop. 39,647 | #6 | 65.5 | $100,495 | $1,187/mo | 94 |
| Cedar Falls, IAPop. 40,888 | #7 | 61.5 | $76,987 | $1,203/mo | 135 |
| Ames, IAPop. 67,669 | #8 | 60.8 | $60,991 | $1,023/mo | 103 |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #9 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 |
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #10 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 |
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #11 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 |
| Mason City, IAPop. 27,050 | #12 | 57.0 | $64,804 | $882/mo | 354 |
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #13 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #14 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 |
| Council Bluffs, IAPop. 62,586 | #15 | 52.1 | $64,578 | $1,030/mo | 525 |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #16 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 |
| Ottumwa, IAPop. 25,430 | #17 | 51.6 | $61,103 | $921/mo | 272 |
| Fort Dodge, IAPop. 24,827 | #18 | 50.1 | $60,649 | $785/mo | 940 |
| Waterloo, IAPop. 67,008 | #19 | 49.8 | $57,480 | $923/mo | 472 |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #20 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 |
All 20 Iowa cities we track, by overall score. Iowa statewide: median income $75,501, violent crime 233.9 per 100,000.
How is Cedar Rapids's score calculated?
Cedar Rapids scores 60.3 out of 100, #383 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Iowa's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Cedar Rapids. Similar-size median 52.9.
50.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Cedar Rapids's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
74.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Cedar Rapids. Similar-size median 53.8.
51.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Cedar Rapids's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
62.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Cedar Rapids's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
84.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Cedar Rapids. Similar-size median 51.2.
51.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Cedar Rapids. Similar-size median 42.1.
48.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Cedar Rapids. Similar-size median 50.1.
52.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Cedar Rapids's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
62.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
65.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Cedar Rapids's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Cedar Rapids has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Cedar Rapids
Is Cedar Rapids, IA a good place to live?
Cedar Rapids ranks #383 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #52 of 256 mid-size cities and #9 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($967/mo, #7 of 256) and low living costs (89, #11 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids's cost of living index is 89, 11% below the US level of 100 and #166 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $967/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $212,086, 11% below the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
What is the crime rate in Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids recorded 265 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 19% below the US rate of 328 and 13% above Iowa's 234. That ranks #495 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #88 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cedar Rapids Police Department. Property crime runs 2,135 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Cedar Rapids?
The median household in Cedar Rapids earns $70,424, 15% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $967/mo (Census), #174 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,291/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Cedar Rapids?
The typical home value in Cedar Rapids is $212,086, up 2.3% in a year, against $239,547 for Iowa and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $187,100.
How are the public schools in Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids's 40 public schools graduate 91.9% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $13,949 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Cedar Rapids?
The average commute is 18.6 minutes, #231 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20.4 minutes across Iowa. 4.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids averages 48.3°F over the year, 71.2°F in summer and 23°F in winter, with 35.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Cedar Rapids walkable?
Cedar Rapids scores 12.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #342 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Cedar Rapids at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Linn County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Cedar Rapids?
Linn County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids has 137,264 residents. The median resident of Cedar Rapids is 37.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 33.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #686 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Cedar Rapids compare with the rest of Iowa?
Cedar Rapids ranks #9 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 60.3 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 7% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 13% above the statewide rate. Homes are 11% below the typical Iowa home.
What cities are similar in size to Cedar Rapids?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Cedar Rapids's population of 137,264 are Warren, MI (#1032 overall), Hampton, VA (#694 overall), Elizabeth, NJ (#858 overall), Stamford, CT (#117 overall), and Pasadena, CA (#783 overall). Cedar Rapids is #383.