Living in Iowa City, IA
Iowa City is the 505th-largest city in the US, home to about 76,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (91.5 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 76,229+1.9% since 2020
- Median home value
- $285,9004.9 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,094/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $58,546median, per year
- Price level
- 91.5US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 31° / 86°lows 15° / 66°
- Average commute
- 17 min12% work from home
- State income tax
- 3.8%top rate, flat
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County: Johnson County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 669 ft
Metro area: Iowa City, IA
Cost of living in Iowa City
The median home in Iowa City is worth $285,900 and the median household earns $58,546 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.9 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,094 a month, about 22% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Iowa City, IA metro area at 91.5, with housing at 84.0 and goods at 93.7 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $68,600 here. Iowa taxes wages at a top rate of 3.8% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Iowa is 6.94%.
What would my salary be worth in Iowa City?
Iowa City weather
Average highs run from 31°F in January to 86°F in July, and January nights average 15°F. It gets 36 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 28 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 135 times a year. The most comfortable months are May and July to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Iowa City
People and work
The median resident is 26.2 years old, and 60% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 47% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 17 minutes; 12% of workers work from home and 6% take public transit.
- Median age
- 26.28th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 61%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 47%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,95925.8 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 6%15% walk, 2.8% bike
- Unemployment
- 4.6%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 26.3%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1985median year
Who moves to Iowa City, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Des Moines (Polk County), Chicago (Cook County) and Dallas County, IA. People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Des Moines (Polk County), Chicago (Cook County) and Minneapolis (Hennepin County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Johnson County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: strong wind, tornado, winter weather, hail.
Home prices
+3% in a year
Up 34% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Iowa City, IA area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
70% good days
4 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Iowa City, IA area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Iowa City
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- University of Iowa in Iowa City
- Kirkwood Community College 18 miles
- Coe College 24 miles
- Cornell College 19 miles
- Mount Mercy University 24 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Iowa City
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| The Eastern Iowa Airport CID | 18 mi | 759,978 |
| Quad Cities International Airport MLI | 55 mi | 326,888 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Iowa City
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Iowa | in town | 22,264 | $22,508 | 76% |
| Kirkwood Community College | 18 mi | 7,591 | $12,073 | 47% |
| Coe College | 24 mi | 1,164 | $18,647 | 60% |
| Mount Mercy University | 24 mi | 1,107 | $23,935 | 52% |
| Cornell College | 19 mi | 1,086 | $25,297 | 60% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Iowa City
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 21, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 9 and the first frost comes around October 18.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Iowa City Municipal Airport, IA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Iowa City.
Wildfire smoke in Iowa City
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Iowa City on about 146 days a year, including about 40 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Iowa City
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 30,816 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Iowa City
Downtown Iowa City is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City Community School District | Pre-K to 12 | 15,013 | 28 | 13.8 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Clear Creek-Amana Community School District (3,156 students), Solon Community School District (1,477 students), Mid-Prairie Community School District (1,393 students), West Liberty Community School District (1,291 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Iowa City's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Iowa City's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Lincoln, NE85% matchCompare
- Fort Wayne, IN76% matchCompare
- Lawrence, KS75% matchCompare
- Sioux Falls, SD74% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Iowa City
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Iowa City
- Ski Snowstar 44 miles
- Chestnut Mountain 74 miles
- Tyrol Basin 131 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Iowa City
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 8% below the US average (BEA).
- Data Commutes are short: 17 minutes each way on average.
- Data A highly educated city: 60% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Cons
- Data Poverty is high: 26.3% of residents live below the poverty line.
Iowa City report card from locals
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Cities near Iowa City
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 29 mi | 137,935 | $187,100 | 89.0 | Compare |
| Davenport, IA | 48 mi | 100,358 | $166,400 | 89.1 | Compare |
| Ankeny, IA | 105 mi | 77,833 | $331,000 | 91.7 | Compare |
| Des Moines, IA | 105 mi | 212,086 | $194,700 | 91.7 | Compare |
| Peoria, IL | 118 mi | 110,920 | $156,200 | 91.2 | Compare |
| Rockford, IL | 133 mi | 147,384 | $129,000 | 92.2 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Iowa City with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Iowa City a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, short commutes. Compare Iowa City side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Iowa City?
The Census Bureau estimates Iowa City had 76,229 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 74,833 in April 2020 (+1.9%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Iowa City?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $68,600 in the Iowa City area. The median household here earns $58,546.
When is the best time to visit Iowa City?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May and July to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 86°F and January 31°F for daytime highs.
What county is Iowa City in?
Iowa City is in Johnson County, Iowa. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Iowa City in?
Iowa City is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Iowa City?
About 669 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Iowa have a state income tax?
Yes. Iowa has a flat income tax with a top rate of 3.8% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Iowa City. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Iowa City, IA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Iowa City Municipal Airport, IA station; snowfall from Iowa City, IA. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.