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Is Council Bluffs a Good Place to Live? Council Bluffs, Iowa: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Council Bluffs ranks #876 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #367 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($171,800, #43 of 524) and short commutes (17.9 min, #47 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (525 per 100,000, #383 of 444) and low household income ($64,578, #399 of 524).
Council Bluffs by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Council Bluffs'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 Council Bluffs?
Council Bluffs's cost of living index is 91.9, 8% below the US level of 100 and #310 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,030/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $229,838, 4% below the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
| Measure | Council Bluffs | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 91.9#310 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $229,838#201 of 1,187 | $239,547 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,350/mo#208 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $171,800#146 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,030/mo#243 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.7x#91 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 19.1%#344 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Council Bluffs 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. Council Bluffs is in the Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA metro.
Iowa housing market →Is Council Bluffs safe?
Council Bluffs recorded 525 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 60% above the US rate of 328 and 2.2 times Iowa's 234. That ranks #864 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #383 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Council Bluffs Police Department. Property crime runs 2,230 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Council Bluffs | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 525#864 of 1,085 | 234 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,230#772 of 1,085 | 1,172 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Council Bluffs?
The median household in Council Bluffs earns $64,578, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 15.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Council Bluffs | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $64,578#937 of 1,312 | $75,501 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 15.1%#868 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Council Bluffs?
The median resident of Council Bluffs is 38.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 21.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1125 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Council Bluffs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 21.5%#1125 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 63.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Council Bluffs's schools and health?
Council Bluffs's 18 public schools graduate 89.2% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 15.2 students per teacher and $14,289 spent per pupil. 40% of adults are obese and 11.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Council Bluffs | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89.2%#451 of 1,063 | 89.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.2#498 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,289#663 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 40%#1120 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.8%#759 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.1%#886 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 9.1%#536 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 11,308 students are enrolled in Council Bluffs's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Council Bluffs?
The average commute in Council Bluffs is 17.9 minutes (Iowa 20.4); 0.8% of workers take transit and 8.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Council Bluffs scores 7.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.9°F and winters 27.3°F, with 31.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Council Bluffs | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 17.9 min#186 of 1,312 | 20.4 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 1.8%#34 of 1,312 | 4.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 79.9% | 76.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.9% | 3.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 8.4% | 9.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.7#1122 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 33.6 | 15.2 | 0.8 |
| Feb | 38.6 | 19.3 | 1 |
| Mar | 52.1 | 30 | 1.8 |
| Apr | 64.1 | 41.1 | 3.2 |
| May | 74.6 | 52.7 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 84.4 | 63.4 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 88.1 | 68 | 3.6 |
| Aug | 85.8 | 65.6 | 4.6 |
| Sep | 79.1 | 56.1 | 3 |
| Oct | 65.5 | 43.2 | 2.3 |
| Nov | 50.3 | 30.2 | 1.5 |
| Dec | 37.7 | 19.8 | 1.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Omaha Eppley Airfield.
| Measure | Council Bluffs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 52.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 27.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 31.9 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Omaha Eppley Airfield.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Council Bluffs?
Pottawattamie County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pottawattamie County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 61% of US counties.
| Measure | Council Bluffs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 37#190 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.17%#803 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Pottawattamie County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Pottawattamie County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.031% | 99% of counties |
| Hail | 0.013% | 88% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0024% | 79% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0055% | 78% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.099% | 68% 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 Council Bluffs compare with similar-size cities?
Council Bluffs is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #367 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 62,586.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Council Bluffs, IAPop. 62,586 | #876 | 52.1 | $64,578 | $1,030/mo | 525 | 17.9 min |
| Porterville, CAPop. 63,157 | #1259 | 41.8 | $60,461 | $1,148/mo | 332 | 23.5 min |
| Hendersonville, TNPop. 63,091 | #325 | 61.5 | $97,200 | $1,653/mo | 140 | 29.7 min |
| Eden Prairie, MNPop. 63,051 | #35 | 71.7 | $130,489 | $1,833/mo | 54 | 21.4 min |
| Bossier City, LAPop. 62,901 | #1154 | 46.5 | $55,819 | $1,107/mo | 704 | 18 min |
| Richland, WAPop. 62,753 | #393 | 60.2 | $95,813 | $1,468/mo | 257 | 20.4 min |
| Marietta, GAPop. 62,263 | #352 | 60.9 | $72,725 | $1,586/mo | 291 | 27.5 min |
| Wellington, FLPop. 62,146 | #340 | 61.1 | $115,632 | $2,562/mo | 90 | 32.1 min |
| Pontiac, MIPop. 62,104 | #1290 | 38.1 | $44,329 | $1,063/mo | 820 | 21.2 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 Council Bluffs compare with the rest of Iowa?
Council Bluffs ranks #15 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 52.1 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 14% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 2.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 4% 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 Council Bluffs's score calculated?
Council Bluffs scores 52.1 out of 100, #876 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 Council Bluffs. Similar-size median 55.5.
47.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Council Bluffs's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
57.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Council Bluffs. Similar-size median 58.9.
43.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Council Bluffs's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
60.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Council Bluffs's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
82.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Council Bluffs. Similar-size median 56.1.
40.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Council Bluffs. Similar-size median 42.4.
43.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Council Bluffs. Similar-size median 50.0.
47.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Council Bluffs's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
35.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
52.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Council Bluffs's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs
Is Council Bluffs, IA a good place to live?
Council Bluffs ranks #876 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #367 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($171,800, #43 of 524) and short commutes (17.9 min, #47 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (525 per 100,000, #383 of 444) and low household income ($64,578, #399 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Council Bluffs?
Council Bluffs's cost of living index is 91.9, 8% below the US level of 100 and #310 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,030/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $229,838, 4% below the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
What is the crime rate in Council Bluffs?
Council Bluffs recorded 525 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 60% above the US rate of 328 and 2.2 times Iowa's 234. That ranks #864 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #383 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Council Bluffs Police Department. Property crime runs 2,230 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Council Bluffs?
The median household in Council Bluffs earns $64,578, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 15.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Council Bluffs?
Median rent in Council Bluffs is $1,030/mo (Census), #243 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,350/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Council Bluffs?
The typical home value in Council Bluffs is $229,838, up 2.5% in a year, against $239,547 for Iowa and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $171,800.
How are the public schools in Council Bluffs?
Council Bluffs's 18 public schools graduate 89.2% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 15.2 students per teacher and $14,289 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Council Bluffs?
The average commute is 17.9 minutes, #186 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20.4 minutes across Iowa. 1.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Council Bluffs?
Council Bluffs averages 52.4°F over the year, 75.9°F in summer and 27.3°F in winter, with 31.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Council Bluffs walkable?
Council Bluffs scores 7.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1122 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 Council Bluffs at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pottawattamie County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 61% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Council Bluffs?
Pottawattamie County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Council Bluffs?
Council Bluffs has 62,586 residents. The median resident of Council Bluffs is 38.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 21.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1125 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Council Bluffs compare with the rest of Iowa?
Council Bluffs ranks #15 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 52.1 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 14% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 2.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 4% below the typical Iowa home.
What cities are similar in size to Council Bluffs?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Council Bluffs's population of 62,586 are Porterville, CA (#1259 overall), Hendersonville, TN (#325 overall), Eden Prairie, MN (#35 overall), Bossier City, LA (#1154 overall), and Richland, WA (#393 overall). Council Bluffs is #876.