Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sioux City, IA
Thinking of moving to Sioux City, IA? With a population of 85,797, Sioux City offers affordable living—median home prices are around $156,000 and average rents are just $885. Commutes are short at just under 17 minutes, and residents enjoy 64% sunny days each year. While the crime rate is a bit higher than the national average, the city features accessible healthcare, reputable schools, and a friendly, diverse community. Discover more about the cost of living, housing, and local amenities to see if Sioux City is your perfect fit.
Demographics - Sioux City, IA
Demographics - Sioux City, IA
Sioux City is home to nearly 86,000 residents, offering a youthful median age of 34.9 and a balanced gender ratio. The city is predominantly White at 75.6%, with growing diversity and 12.4% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density provides a comfortable urban environment for families and individuals alike.
Population:
85,797
Density:
1,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.9
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75.6%
Black:
5.5%
Asian:
3.1%
Others:
15.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sioux City, IA?
Sioux City boasts an affordable cost of living, with median home values at $156,000 and average rent of $885. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making housing, groceries, and transportation particularly budget-friendly for new residents. Reasonable utility and auto insurance rates further contribute to the city's economic appeal.
Median House Value:
$156,000
Gross Rent:
$885
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,030
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,310
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$490
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.7
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
65.6
Utilities:
99.7
Transportation:
90.2
Health Care:
97.4
Miscellaneous:
89.6
Crime
Is Sioux City, IA a safe place to live?
While Sioux City's crime rates are somewhat higher than national averages, with a 1 in 226 chance of violent crime and 1 in 39 for property crime, most neighborhoods remain safe and community-focused. Residents benefit from active local law enforcement and ongoing safety initiatives. It's advisable for newcomers to research neighborhoods to find the best fit for their lifestyle.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
443
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,566
Crime Index:
3,009
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 226
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 39
Weather
What is the weather like in Sioux City, IA year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons in Sioux City, from cold winters with lows around 13°F to warm summers reaching up to 86°F. With 64% sunny days annually and about 28.5 inches of rainfall, the city offers a pleasant climate for outdoor activities throughout much of the year. Spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures, making them ideal times for enjoying local parks and events.
Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
28.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
The typical Sioux City household enjoys an income of $59,300, with a family median of $72,800, though about 15% of residents live below the poverty line. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and the city has a low unemployment rate of 3.8%. Commutes are quick, averaging just under 17 minutes, reflecting the city's manageable size and convenient layout.
Median Income:
$32,800
Household Income:
$59,300
Family Income:
$72,800
Per Capita Income:
$28,500
Income Male:
$39,200
Income Female:
$31,400
Poverty Rate:
14.8%
Non English Speakers:
12.4%
Rent:
$885
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
16.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.3%
Bachelors or More:
23.5%
Education
How are the schools in Sioux City, IA?
Sioux City offers a variety of educational options, including public schools like East High and North Middle, as well as private institutions such as Bishop Heelan Catholic High. The city is also home to higher education facilities like Morningside University and Western Iowa Tech Community College, serving thousands of students. Families benefit from a supportive learning environment with a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
East High School
Street:
5011 Mayhew Ave
Phone:
712-274-4000
Students:
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Name:
North Middle School
Street:
2101 Outer Dr N
Phone:
712-279-3333
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Private Schools
Name:
Bishop Heelan Catholic High School
Street:
1231 Grandview Blvd
Phone:
712-252-0573
Students:
540
Colleges
Name:
Morningside University
City:
Sioux City
State:
IA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,400
Name:
Western Iowa Tech Community College
City:
Sioux City
State:
IA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,800
Healthcare
Sioux City is served by major hospitals like UnityPoint Health and MercyOne Siouxland, providing comprehensive emergency and general care. The city has 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high health insurance coverage rate of 92.1%. Access to quality healthcare services ensures peace of mind for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Regional Medical Center
Address:
2720 Stone Park Blvd, Sioux City, IA 51104
Phone:
(712) 279-3500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center
Address:
801 5th St, Sioux City, IA 51101
Phone:
(712) 279-2010
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
68.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sioux City, IA?
The local housing market is notably affordable, with a median home price of $156,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $885. Homeownership is strong at 63.9%, and the area has seen a steady appreciation rate of 6.1% over the past year. Rental vacancies remain low, indicating a stable and accessible market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$156,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$885
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle services in Sioux City are managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located on S Grandview Ave. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services both in person and through the official state website. The office provides comprehensive support for new arrivals and current drivers alike.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1300 S Grandview Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106
Phone:
1-515-244-8725
Website:
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.