Moving To Iowa

A complete guide of the state from healthcare to diversity

Should you move to Iowa?

Iowa, the Hawkeye State, is synonymous with American heartland. Known for its agricultural prowess, Iowa is also a rising star in industries like manufacturing, biotechnology, and green energy. Its balance of economic opportunity, quality education, and Midwestern charm makes it an appealing choice.

Iowa’s economy is robust and diverse. While it’s a leading producer of corn and soybeans, Iowa is also home to a thriving industrial sector, with significant contributions from food processing, machinery, and biotechnology industries. Des Moines, the capital, is a major hub for the insurance industry, earning it the moniker “Hartford of the West.”

Living in Iowa means embracing the essence of the Midwest. From the lively city life in Des Moines, with its thriving arts scene and culinary delights, to the charm of smaller communities where everybody knows your name, Iowa offers a relaxed and friendly lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate activities like biking along the High Trestle Trail or boating on the Mississippi River.

Iowa is also known for its commitment to education, with highly rated public schools and prestigious higher institutions like the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.

So, if you’re seeking a state that offers a healthy work-life balance, a strong economy, excellent education, and a sense of community, Iowa might be a perfect choice. Just remember, Iowans take their state fair and their corn seriously!

State Capital

Des Moines

Area Code(s)

319, 515, 563, 641, 712

Time Zone

Central Time Zone

Land Area (sq mi)

55,853

State Bird

Eastern goldfinch

Motto

Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain

State Flag

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How Does Iowa Rank?

D
Diversity
A
Cost of Living
A
Home Affordability

Who Lives in Iowa?

Discover more about the people who make up the State

Total Population

National Avg 6,652,315

Population Density

57 per sq mi

National Avg 206.5 persons/square mile

How does Iowa compare?

D
Diversity Grade
White alone
83.7%
Black or African American
4.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
2.8%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Hispanic or Latino
6.9%

Foreign Born Persons

5.5%

Veterans

174514

Under 5 years
5.8%
Under 18 years
22.6%
Over 65 years
18.3%

Iowa Climate

How’s the weather?

How Does Iowa Compare?

#26
in Sunny Days
#33
in Annual Rainfall
#19
in Daytime Humidity

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Healthcare in Iowa

How are the hospitals and care?

Major Hospitals

115

Residents Per Bed

292

Residents Per Physician

338.1

How Does Iowa Compare?

#15
in Healthcare
#43
in Available Beds
#24
in Doctors Per Resident

Iowa Metropolitans

Iowa

Des Moines-West Des Moines

Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota

Sioux City

Illinois, Iowa

Davenport-Moline-Rock Island

Iowa

Cedar Rapids

Iowa

Iowa City

Iowa

Waterloo-Cedar Falls

Iowa

Ames

Iowa

Dubuque

Iowa Cost of Living

How Does Iowa Compare?

7
in Cost of Living
31
in Minimum Wage
15
in Living Wage

Don't Forget!

Auto insurance costs change from city to neighborhood. Through Insurify, you can receive personalized quotes from top insurers in 5 minutes or less.

Renting? Renter’s insurance protects you, your guests, and your things. And Lemonade offers renters insurance plans for as low as $5 per month.

Iowa State Taxes

Housing in Iowa

Buying or renting? Here’s more about real estate in the zip code.

Total Households

1,275,893

Own vs. Rent

Own 71.6%
Rent 28.4%

Connect with a local Iowa REALTOR®

Buying or selling? We’ll help you connect with the right real estate agents in Iowa or anywhere you need help.

Median Home Value

161,700

National $440,300

Median Rent

$845

National $1,702

Average Homeownership cost

$524

Taxes, Insurance, Utilities, HOA (no mortgage)

Persons Per Household

2.42

Moving advice

Increase your odds of a quick sale, earning more money, or saving your rental deposit by hiring a professional cleaner. A study by HomeLight found home sellers who invest in cleaners earned $3,700 more

Iowa Schools

Explore the school district and schools

8th Grade Proficiency (2022)

Ranked #14 in Mathematics

Basic Proficiency

67%

Proficient or Above

28%

Ranked #18 in Reading

Basic Proficiency

71%

Proficient or Above

29%

Education Attainment

High School Degree
92.8%
Bachelors Degree
29.7%

Need some help with your move?

Moving labor can be hired by the hour, helping you budget for the heavy stuff or your entire move.

Iowa Cities & Towns

Iowa Economy

The industries, jobs, and economics of the zip code

Median Household Income

$65,429

US Average $74,580

How does Iowa compare?

In Labor Force

66.8%

Poverty rate

11.1%

Private Employers

82,997

Total Employees

1,352,146

Iowa Counties

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