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Is Iowa City a Good Place to Live? Iowa City, Iowa: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Iowa City ranks #437 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #204 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.7%, #13 of 476) and short commutes (17.3 min, #37 of 524), and trails on high poverty (26.3%, #507 of 524) and low household income ($58,546, #452 of 524).
Iowa City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Iowa City'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 Iowa City?
Iowa City's cost of living index is 91.5, 8% below the US level of 100 and #261 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,094/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $303,890, 27% above the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
| Measure | Iowa City | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 91.5#261 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $303,890#382 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 | $1,270/mo#139 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $285,900#491 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,094/mo#324 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.9x#823 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22.4%#718 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.
Iowa City 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. Iowa City is in the Iowa City, IA metro.
Iowa housing market →Is Iowa City safe?
Iowa City recorded 257 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% below the US rate of 328 and 10% above Iowa's 234. That ranks #473 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #216 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Iowa City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,606 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Iowa City | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 257#473 of 1,085 | 234 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,606#526 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 Iowa City?
The median household in Iowa City earns $58,546, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 2.7% (US 4.3%). 26.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Iowa City | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $58,546#1076 of 1,312 | $75,501 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 2.7%#47 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 26.3%#1260 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 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 Iowa City?
The median resident of Iowa City is 26.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 60.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #119 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Iowa City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 26.2 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 60.5%#119 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 47.2% | 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 Iowa City's schools and health?
Iowa City's 15 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 14.2 students per teacher and $14,290 spent per pupil. 31.3% of adults are obese and 7.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Iowa City | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 93%#172 of 1,063 | 89.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.2#323 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,290#662 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 31.3%#484 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 7.9%#92 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.1%#1062 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.7%#334 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. 8,085 students are enrolled in Iowa City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Iowa City?
The average commute in Iowa City is 17.3 minutes (Iowa 20.4); 6% of workers take transit and 12.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Iowa City scores 10.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #678 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.9°F and winters 26°F, with 35.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Iowa City | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 17.3 min#156 of 1,312 | 20.4 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.2%#67 of 1,312 | 4.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 56.2% | 76.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 6% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 14.6% | 3.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 2.8% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 12.2% | 9.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 10.2#678 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 | 30.9 | 14.6 | 1 |
| Feb | 35.5 | 18.5 | 1.2 |
| Mar | 49.5 | 29.5 | 2.2 |
| Apr | 62.6 | 40.1 | 3.8 |
| May | 73.4 | 51.7 | 4.5 |
| Jun | 82.6 | 62.1 | 5.3 |
| Jul | 85.8 | 65.8 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 83.8 | 63.3 | 3.9 |
| Sep | 77.5 | 54.2 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 64.1 | 42.1 | 3 |
| Nov | 49.2 | 30.4 | 2.2 |
| Dec | 36.3 | 20.1 | 1.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Iowa City Muni Airport.
| Measure | Iowa City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 51°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 73.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 26°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 35.7 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 Iowa City Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Iowa City?
Johnson County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Johnson County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, strong wind, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 70% of US counties.
| Measure | Iowa City | 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 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.19%#918 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 Johnson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Johnson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.063% | 100% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.017% | 97% of counties |
| Hail | 0.012% | 87% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.077% | 45% 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 Iowa City compare with similar-size cities?
Iowa City is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #204 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 75,752.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #437 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 | 17.3 min |
| Cheektowaga, NYPop. 76,056 | #351 | 60.9 | $68,613 | $1,055/mo | no data | 20.6 min |
| Scranton, PAPop. 76,033 | #800 | 53.3 | $50,739 | $1,048/mo | 327 | 19.3 min |
| Wesley Chapel, FLPop. 76,011 | #626 | 56.3 | $107,504 | $2,100/mo | no data | 31.1 min |
| Arlington Heights, ILPop. 76,005 | #51 | 70.8 | $116,723 | $1,760/mo | 43 | 27.7 min |
| Pawtucket, RIPop. 75,893 | #549 | 57.3 | $68,310 | $1,208/mo | 224 | 25.6 min |
| Bismarck, NDPop. 75,556 | #311 | 61.8 | $78,387 | $999/mo | 241 | 15.6 min |
| Apple Valley, CAPop. 75,473 | #1260 | 41.4 | $69,882 | $1,444/mo | 485 | 41.1 min |
| Bowling Green, KYPop. 75,388 | #954 | 50.8 | $48,873 | $998/mo | 187 | 17.8 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 Iowa City compare with the rest of Iowa?
Iowa City ranks #10 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 59.3 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 22% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 10% above the statewide rate. Homes are 27% above 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 Iowa City's score calculated?
Iowa City scores 59.3 out of 100, #437 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 Iowa City. Similar-size median 55.5.
53.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Iowa City's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
78.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Iowa City. Similar-size median 58.9.
60.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Iowa City's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
66.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Iowa City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
77.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Iowa City. Similar-size median 56.1.
17.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Iowa City. Similar-size median 42.4.
46.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Iowa City. Similar-size median 50.0.
76.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Iowa City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
48.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
47.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Iowa City'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 Iowa City 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 Iowa City
Is Iowa City, IA a good place to live?
Iowa City ranks #437 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #204 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.7%, #13 of 476) and short commutes (17.3 min, #37 of 524), and trails on high poverty (26.3%, #507 of 524) and low household income ($58,546, #452 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Iowa City?
Iowa City's cost of living index is 91.5, 8% below the US level of 100 and #261 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,094/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $303,890, 27% above the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
What is the crime rate in Iowa City?
Iowa City recorded 257 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% below the US rate of 328 and 10% above Iowa's 234. That ranks #473 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #216 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Iowa City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,606 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Iowa City?
The median household in Iowa City earns $58,546, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 2.7% (US 4.3%). 26.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Iowa City?
Median rent in Iowa City is $1,094/mo (Census), #324 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,270/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Iowa City?
The typical home value in Iowa City is $303,890, up 3.4% in a year, against $239,547 for Iowa and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $285,900.
How are the public schools in Iowa City?
Iowa City's 15 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 14.2 students per teacher and $14,290 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Iowa City?
The average commute is 17.3 minutes, #156 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20.4 minutes across Iowa. 2.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Iowa City?
Iowa City averages 51°F over the year, 73.9°F in summer and 26°F in winter, with 35.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Iowa City walkable?
Iowa City scores 10.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #678 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 Iowa City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Johnson County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, strong wind, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 70% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Iowa City?
Johnson County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Iowa City?
Iowa City has 75,752 residents. The median resident of Iowa City is 26.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 60.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #119 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Iowa City compare with the rest of Iowa?
Iowa City ranks #10 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 59.3 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 22% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 10% above the statewide rate. Homes are 27% above the typical Iowa home.
What cities are similar in size to Iowa City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Iowa City's population of 75,752 are Cheektowaga, NY (#351 overall), Scranton, PA (#800 overall), Wesley Chapel, FL (#626 overall), Arlington Heights, IL (#51 overall), and Pawtucket, RI (#549 overall). Iowa City is #437.