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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 74,596 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $295,000 and average rents near $1,130. Commute times average 17 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (53% 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 74,596 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 27 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 77% White, 8% Black, and 9% Asian residents, and over 14% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
74,596
Density
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age
26.9
Gender Ratio
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
14.2%

Ethnic Composition

White
76.5%
Black
7.7%
Asian
8.5%
Others
7.3%

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 96.4. Median home values are around $295,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,130. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$295,000
Gross Rent
$1,130
Monthly Electricity Charges
$110
Auto Insurance
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,680
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$565
State Taxes
Low: 4.4%| High: 8.53%
Cost Of Living Index
96.4
Grocery
95.2
Housing
92.8
Utilities
98.6
Transportation
94.1
Health Care
97.3
Miscellaneous
98.8

Crime

Is Iowa City, IA a safe place to live?

Iowa City is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 252 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 48. 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
252
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,101
Crime Index
2,353
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 397
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 48

Weather

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

Iowa City experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 14°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 53% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
14°F
Max
32°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
40°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
43°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
53%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $54,700 and a low poverty rate of 22.6%. Over 96% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 57% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 17 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$28,600
Household Income
$54,700
Family Income
$89,400
Per Capita Income
$30,900
Income Male
$41,500
Income Female
$33,100
Poverty Rate
22.6%
Non English Speakers
14.2%
Rent
$1,130
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
Public Transport Usage
4.1%
Commute Time
16.6 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
96.1%
Bachelors or More
57.3%

Education

How are the schools in Iowa City, IA?

Iowa City offers quality education options, with public schools like Iowa City High School and Ernest Horn Elementary 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 – Iowa City Campus. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Iowa City High School
Street
1900 Morningside Dr
Phone
319-688-1040
Students
1,575
Student Teacher Ratio
16.5
Name
Ernest Horn Elementary School
Street
600 Koser Ave
Phone
319-688-1115
Students
510
Student Teacher Ratio
14.7

Private Schools

Name
Regina Catholic Education Center
Street
2140 Rochester Ave
Phone
319-337-2580
Students
820

Colleges

Name
University of Iowa
City
Iowa City
State
IA
Distance
0 miles
Students
30,000
Name
Kirkwood Community College – Iowa City Campus
City
Iowa City
State
IA
Distance
0 miles
Students
2,500

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 3.1 per 1,000 people and 94.8% 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
General & Teaching
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
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage
94.8%
Health Care Index
78.2

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 48%. The market has seen a 5.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.7%. Iowa City offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$295,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,130
Owner Occupied Rate
47.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
5.2%
New Construction Rate
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Iowa City handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Ankeny. 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
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone
515-244-8725

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 74,596, median home value $295,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,130, commute time 16.6 minutes, and sunny days percentage 53%.

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