11 Pros and Cons of Living in Iowa
Can a low cost of living and low crime rates outweigh high income taxes and extreme weather conditions? Check out all the pros and cons of living in Iowa.
Written by Kara Vanderbeek
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Table of Contents
- Pro: Low cost of living
- Pro: High-quality education
- Con: There are no beaches or mountains
- Pro: Low crime rates
- Con: Lackluster culinary scene
- Pro: No traffic
- Pro: Four-season climate
- Con: Extreme weather conditions
- Pro: Low urbanization
- Con: High state income taxes
- Pro: A booming job market
- Is Iowa a good state to live in?
- How to upgrade your car insurance in Iowa
- FAQs
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From low crime rates and high-quality school systems to the state’s lack of traffic, there’s a lot to love about
Iowa
. But high income taxes, risks of extreme weather conditions, and a lack of beaches and mountains can make living in the Hawkeye State a challenge.If you’re considering making Iowa home, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of living here before you take the leap. For some, this small-town state is the perfect place to call home—but the drawbacks of Iowa life may make this state unappealing to others.
Is Iowa the right place for you? Decide with help from
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Pro: Low cost of living
One of the major draws of the Hawkeye State is the low cost of living. Compared to the rest of the country, the cost of living index is 9% lower. Housing is 23% lower, while utilities and groceries cost 5% less. Car ownership is also more reasonably priced than in many other states, with transportation costs 1% lower than the national average.
With a median annual household income of $61,836 and cost of living index of 83.7, Iowanians spend less than most other Americans to live a comfortable life. Within this affordable state,
Burlington
is the cheapest major city to live in, with Waterloo
and Des Moines
following closely behind. MORE: The best Des Moines roofing contractors
Pro: High-quality education
One of the pros of living in Iowa? The incredible education system! Iowa is recognized across the country as having one of the best education systems in the United States.
With a literacy rate of 99% and the highest high school graduation rate in the country, it's no wonder Iowa is known for its educational prowess. If you’re looking to provide an exceptional education for your children, Iowa may be just the place.
What’s more, after achieving a sky-high score on the ACT and SAT, you can send your college-bound high school graduate off to Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, or Des Moines Area Community College to continue their education journey.
Con: There are no beaches or mountains
With the state’s low cost of living and exceptional education opportunities, Iowa may sound like the perfect place to raise a family. But don’t pack up your car just yet—just like any other state, Iowa comes with its own drawbacks, including a notable lack of mountain scapes and ocean views.
If your weekends are usually spent swimming in the ocean or climbing up a mountain, you may be disappointed by Iowa’s environment. Hawkeye Point, standing at just 1,670 feet, is the highest point of elevation in the state. Big Creek State Park offers a lakeside beach to enjoy, but outdoor recreational activities in Iowa can be underwhelming for some.
MORE: How to do summer car maintenance
Pro: Low crime rates
With an A- safety grade, the crime rate in Iowa is lower than the national average. In general, Iowa residents consider the central part of the state to be the safest. Compared to surrounding states and states of the same size, Iowa’s safety ratings consistently take the cake.
While criminal activity continues to occur throughout the state, namely drug use and distribution, Iowa’s rates of violent crime are nearly non-existent. In fact, the state continues to rank among the top 10 safest states in the country!
MORE:
Iowa DUI laws
Con: Lackluster culinary scene
Unless you’re living in
Cedar Rapids
, Iowa City
, or Des Moines, you’ll be hard pressed to find a culinary experience in Iowa outside the scope of what you’d find on a diner menu. While the Maid-Rite sandwich marks an Iowan contribution to America’s food scene, the sandwich of ground beef and ketchup might not do much to fulfill a seasoned restaurateur's cravings. However, if you enjoy the simple pleasures of a burger and milkshake combo, Iowa may just be the spot. With an impressive flare for dairy product concoctions like cheese curds and specialty milk, as well as holding the title of the ice cream capital of the world, you can rest assured the state will satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Pro: No traffic
Traffic? Never heard of it. In Iowa, traffic jams are virtually non-existent. Unless you’re traveling through the downtown corridor in Des Moines, you’ll rarely run into any road congestion. While it may take some time to get from Point A to Point B, it won’t be due to a traffic roadblock. Distances to various destinations within the state are simply farther away. Nevertheless, such drives offer a chance to relax and enjoy the sights.
Another perk to Iowa roadways? The friendly smiles and waves you’ll receive from other drivers along the way! When living in Iowa, chances are you’ll be a part of a small community of familiar faces you’ll come to recognize out on the road.
Pro: Four-season climate
If you like variety, particularly in the weather, Iowa will give you just that. With a four-season climate, Iowa residents experience blossoming trees in the spring, leaves changing color in the fall, the summer heat, and winter snow. Located beside the Mississippi River, the city of Burlington is known for having the best weather in the state.
While Iowa winters can be cold, with temperatures averaging 14 degrees Fahrenheit in the northwest and 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the southeast, the cold, crisp air can be a welcome relief after a hot and humid summer.
Con: Extreme weather conditions
On the flip side, Iowa’s four seasons can experience some inclement weather conditions, including heavy rainfalls, blizzards, and tornadoes, to name a few.
Sitting in the northern end of Tornado Alley, Iowa is vulnerable to severe storms and tornadoes, particularly throughout May and June, with an average of 48 tornadoes hitting the state each year. In the winter months, strong winds coupled with the flat environment can make for devastating blizzards.
Unfortunately, hail, severe thunderstorms, and flooding can result in some major damages and costs. If you live in the Hawkeye State, you should brush up on safe tornado procedures and update your
homeowners insurance
. Pro: Low urbanization
While some individuals may see this as a con, the state’s low urbanization attracts those who prefer a simple and peaceful way of life. With large expanses of open space, Iowa provides the rural, small-town life many Americans appreciate.
The biggest city in Iowa, Des Moines, is home to just over 215,000 people, while Cedar Rapids, the second-largest city, has a population of 132,301. For reference, the Bronx borough in New York City has a population of over 1.4 million.
Con: High state income taxes
Unfortunately, Iowa’s state income tax is in the top ten highest rates across the country at 0.33% to 8.53% of income. Taxes in Iowa are calculated using a progressive tax scale, which charges higher tax rates to those making more money. If you’re earning more than $74,970 per year, you’ll be expected to pay back 8.53% of your income in taxes.
MORE:
Iowa renters insurance
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Pro: A booming job market
To end on a positive note, it’s worth discussing Iowa’s vibrant job market. Whether you’re new to the job market or an expert in your field, Iowa attracts a robust selection of professionals. Here are some of the key statistics:
- Iowa’s unemployment rate of 2.4% is lower than the national average of 3.7%
- Jobs in Iowa have grown by 0.9% in the past year
- Future job growth in Iowa is predicted to reach 26.75% over the next 10 years
Further, Iowa’s range of agricultural employment opportunities are wide-ranging. From dairy farms and cattle ranches to corn and soybean farming, Iowa’s “farm-to-table” market makes up a significant portion of the state’s economy.
But farming isn’t the only profession. Many employees head to Iowa to pursue manufacturing, heavy machinery operation, transportation, electricity, and media jobs.
MORE:
Title transfer in Iowa
Is Iowa a good state to live in?
Yes, Iowa is a good state to live in, but like any state, there are certain factors and drawbacks to consider. Before you pack your bags to become a soybean farmer, ensure you’ve carefully considered all the pros and cons listed above.
Iowa is a great state for:
- Safety
- Education and job opportunities
- Rural, small-town life
- Low-cost living
If you prefer the hustle and bustle of a big city or need the beauty of the mountains and ocean to be happy, Iowa may not be the place for you.
How to upgrade your car insurance in Iowa
One of the greatest things about living in Iowa is the low cost of living. Plus, the state’s low traffic levels and scenic prairie roads make it fun (and rewarding!) to own a car.
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FAQs
Is Iowa in Tornado Alley?
Yes, Iowa is located in Tornado Alley, making it prone to severe storms and tornadoes throughout May and July.
What are the winters like in Iowa?
If you’re spending winter in Iowa, you’ll want a warm winter coat. Winters in the Hawkeye State see cold temperatures, strong wind gusts, heavy snowfalls, and blizzards. Average winter temperatures range from 14 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is Iowa racially diverse?
Iowa is one of ten U.S. states with a population over 90% that identifies as white, making it one of the least racially diverse states in the country.
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