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Moving to Council Bluffs, IA

Thinking of making a move to Council Bluffs, IA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Council Bluffs, IA

Considering a move to Council Bluffs, IA? This welcoming community of 62,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $185,000 and average rents near $1,050. Commute times average 20 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (58% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Council Bluffs's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Council Bluffs, IA

Council Bluffs has a population of 62,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 80% White, 6% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
62,000
Density
2,050 per sq mi
Median Age
36.7
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
8.6%

Ethnic Composition

White
79.5%
Black
6.2%
Asian
2.4%
Others
11.9%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Council Bluffs, IA?

The cost of living in Council Bluffs is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.7. Median home values are around $185,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,050. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$185,000
Gross Rent
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 5.7%
Cost Of Living Index
88.7
Grocery
92.1
Housing
73.4
Utilities
97.8
Transportation
93.6
Health Care
96.2
Miscellaneous
90.5

Crime

Is Council Bluffs, IA a safe place to live?

Council Bluffs is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 410 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 32. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Iowa.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
410
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,100
Crime Index
3,510
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 244
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 32

Weather

What is the weather like in Council Bluffs, IA year-round?

Council Bluffs experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 87°F and cold winters dipping to 17°F. The area receives about 33 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
17°F
Max
35°F

Summer

Min
66°F
Max
87°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
67°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
32.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $66,500 and a low poverty rate of 13.8%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 23% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$34,500
Household Income
$66,500
Family Income
$78,200
Per Capita Income
$31,200
Income Male
$42,000
Income Female
$33,500
Poverty Rate
13.8%
Non English Speakers
12.4%
Rent
$1,050
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Public Transport Usage
3.8%
Commute Time
19.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
90.5%
Bachelors or More
22.8%

Education

How are the schools in Council Bluffs, IA?

Council Bluffs offers quality education options, with public schools like Kirn Middle School and Lewis Central Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Iowa Western Community College and Creighton University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Kirn Middle School
Street
100 North Ave
Phone
712-328-6464
Students
640
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8
Name
Lewis Central Middle School
Street
3504 Harry Langdon Blvd
Phone
712-366-8240
Students
770
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1

Private Schools

Name
St. Albert Catholic School
Street
400 Gleason Ave
Phone
712-328-2316
Students
520

Colleges

Name
Iowa Western Community College
City
Council Bluffs
State
IA
Distance
3 miles
Students
5,500
Name
Creighton University
City
Omaha
State
NE
Distance
4 miles
Students
8,700

Healthcare

Council Bluffs residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs and Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.0 per 1,000 people and 92.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs
Address
800 Mercy Dr, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Phone
(712) 328-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital
Address
933 E Pierce St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Phone
(712) 396-6040
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage
92.1%
Health Care Index
70.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Council Bluffs, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $185,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 61%. The market has seen a 4.3% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.7%. Council Bluffs offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate
61.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.3%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Council Bluffs handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Des Moines. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Iowa
Department
Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division
Address
100 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Phone
1-515-237-3110

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Council Bluffs, IA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Council Bluffs, review the core fields on this page: population 62,000, median home value $185,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,050, commute time 19.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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