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Moving to Iowa City, IA

Thinking of making a move to Iowa City, 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 Iowa City, IA

Considering a move to Iowa City, IA? This welcoming community of 74,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $295,000 and average rents near $1,250. Commute times average 16 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (55% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Iowa City's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Iowa City, IA

Iowa City has a population of 74,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 26 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 71% White, 6% Black, and 15% Asian residents, and over 14% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
74,000
Density
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age
25.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
13.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
71.0%
Black
5.5%
Asian
15.0%
Others
8.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Iowa City, IA?

The cost of living in Iowa City is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 96.8. Median home values are around $295,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,250. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$295,000
Gross Rent
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$560
State Taxes
Low: 0.9%| High: 8.5%
Cost Of Living Index
96.8
Grocery
98.5
Housing
91.2
Utilities
99.6
Transportation
94.8
Health Care
96.4
Miscellaneous
95.7

Crime

Is Iowa City, IA a safe place to live?

Iowa City is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 240 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 35. 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
240
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,850
Crime Index
3,090
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 417
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 35

Weather

What is the weather like in Iowa City, IA year-round?

Iowa City experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 14°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 55% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
14°F
Max
30°F

Summer

Min
65°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
67°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
55%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $68,500 and a low poverty rate of 20.0%. Over 96% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 64% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 16 minutes, and almost 11% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$42,000
Household Income
$68,500
Family Income
$92,000
Per Capita Income
$35,500
Income Male
$48,000
Income Female
$41,000
Poverty Rate
20.0%
Non English Speakers
12.8%
Rent
$1,250
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
Public Transport Usage
10.5%
Commute Time
15.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
96.0%
Bachelors or More
63.5%

Education

How are the schools in Iowa City, IA?

Iowa City offers quality education options, with public schools like City High School and West High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
City High School
Street
1900 Morningside Dr
Phone
319-688-1023
Students
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio
14.1
Name
West High School
Street
2901 Melrose Ave
Phone
319-688-1050
Students
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio
13.7

Private Schools

Name
Regina Catholic Education Center
Street
2100 N Dubuque Rd
Phone
319-338-6543
Students
600
Name
Universidad School
Street
1117 Ginter Ave
Phone
319-338-1545
Students
200

Colleges

Name
University of Iowa
City
Iowa City
State
IA
Distance
0 miles
Students
29,000
Name
Kirkwood Community College
City
Cedar Rapids
State
IA
Distance
25 miles
Students
14,000

Healthcare

Iowa City residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics and Mercy Iowa City nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 4.2 per 1,000 people and 94.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
Address
200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone
(319) 356-1616
Type
Teaching & Tertiary Care
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Mercy Iowa City
Address
500 E Market St, Iowa City, IA 52245
Phone
(319) 339-0300
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
4.2
Health Insurance Coverage
94.0%
Health Care Index
82.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Iowa City, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $295,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 55%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.2%. Iowa City offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$295,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate
55.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Iowa City handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Ames. 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
Address
800 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010
Phone
1-800-532-1121

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 Iowa City, IA

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

Before moving to Iowa City, review the core fields on this page: population 74,000, median home value $295,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,250, commute time 15.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 55%.

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