What's the nicest place in Iowa to live?

What is the downside to living in Iowa?

Tornadoes, floods, hail storms, and thunderstorms are common in Iowa. May and June are the most likely months to have a tornado. There are, on average, 48 tornadoes each year.

Who is the billionaire who lives in Iowa?

Harry Stine is the richest person in the state, with a net worth of $9.9 billion, down from $10.2 billion in 2025, according to Forbes.

What is the cheapest town in Iowa to live in?

Iowa routinely ranks as one of the most affordable states in the US. If you are looking for the absolute cheapest places to live, your best bets are cities like Keokuk, Fort Dodge, and Ottumwa, where the cost of living and housing prices fall far below state averages.

What jobs are in high demand in Iowa?

High-demand jobs in Iowa span healthcare, technology, and logistics. The fastest-growing careers, particularly in hubs like Des Moines and Iowa City, include Registered Nurses (leading with over 4,000 active job openings), Wind Turbine Service Technicians, Data Scientists, and Truck Drivers.

What is the racial make-up of Iowa?

Iowa has a population of approximately 3.2 million people. The state is predominantly White, which accounts for about 81% to 82% of the population. The largest minority group is Hispanic or Latino, followed closely by Black or African American residents.

Who is a billionaire in Iowa?

Iowa currently has two billionaires: Harry Stine and Greg Abel.

What are the top 5 cities in Iowa?

The top 5 cities in Iowa, ranked by population, are Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, and Ankeny.

Is 200K a good salary in Iowa?

The average pay range for a 200K A Year varies greatly (by as much as 12700), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience. Iowa ranks number 50 out of 50 states nationwide for 200K A Year salaries.

What is the nicest city in Iowa?

Ankeny is ranked as the #1 best place to live in Iowa for 2025-2026 due to its high median household income ($107,871), fast commutes, and growing population, followed closely by West Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. For a mix of culture,, education, and amenities, Iowa City is frequently top-rated, while Dubuque is considered one of the most scenic.

Are people leaving or moving to Iowa?

Iowa is among the top states people are leaving, according to new migration data from Atlas Van Lines. Why it matters: High outbound rates can shrink Iowa's future workforce and tax base, straining economic growth and local services.

What salary is needed to live comfortably in Iowa?

To live comfortably in Iowa as a single adult, an annual income of approximately $47,000 to $55,000+ is recommended, allowing for comfortable housing, savings, and discretionary spending. While basic necessities can be met with less, this range offers a comfortable lifestyle in a state with a cost of living 6% lower than the national average.

What is the blackest city in Iowa?

Des Moines has both the largest total Black population (approximately 25,000 residents) and the largest percentage of Black residents (around 11.8%) of any city in Iowa.

What state is 90% white?

As of 2026 data, several U.S. states have populations that are approximately 90% white or higher, with Maine, Vermont, West Virginia, and New Hampshire consistently ranking as the whitest states. Maine is often cited as the highest, with estimates reaching up to 93.9% white.

What is the blackest state in the USA?

Mississippi is the "blackest" state in the U.S. by percentage of population, with Black and African American residents making up approximately 38% to 39% of the state's total residents.

Who is the top employer in Iowa?

Iowa's top employers span the healthcare, financial services, retail, and agricultural manufacturing sectors. Major organizations providing significant employment across the state include:

What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

Jobs that can pay $400K a year without a degree include commercial real estate brokers, successful YouTubers or influencers, self-employed software developers, high-stakes sales roles like enterprise tech sales, and business owners. These roles rely on skill, market demand, and performance rather than formal education.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

By 2030, jobs centered on routine, repetitive, and purely data-driven tasks are most at risk of extinction. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report notes that roles relying heavily on processing basic information will disappear rapidly.

Where should I move to in Iowa?

Best Places to Live in Iowa in 2026-2027

• Ankeny, IA.
• West Des Moines, IA.
• Cedar Rapids, IA.
• Council Bluffs, IA.
• Dubuque, IA.
• Sioux City, IA.
• Des Moines, IA.

Is $40 an hour good in Iowa?

$29.6K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers. The median wage is $36.8K / yr.

What is the nicest but cheapest state to live in?

4. Top 10 Cheapest States to Live in 2025

• Oklahoma. ...
• New Mexico. ...
• Missouri. ...
• Tennessee. ...
• Michigan. ...
• Texas. ...
• Kansas. Kansas is often overlooked when considering affordable places to live, but it consistently ranks as one of the least expensive states. ...
• Indiana. Indiana is another state with low housing and utility costs.