Iowa City, IA
Why You’ll Love Living in Iowa City, Iowa
Living in Iowa City, Iowa, means being part of a creative, collaborative community and enjoying a full calendar of festivals and concerts at venues like the iconic Englert Theater. Career opportunities abound at companies like ACT and Collins Aerospace. The University of Iowa provides easy access to high-quality health care, educational opportunities and the excitement of Big Ten sports. Want to see Iowa City’s collective spirit in action? Come to a football game and take part in the Hawkeye Wave, in which the whole crowd — including referees and players — turns and waves to the kids at the children’s hospital overlooking Kinnick Stadium.
Thinking of moving to Iowa City, IA? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Iowa City, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Iowa City, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Iowa City, IA, a Best Place to Live in 2024
What stands out about Iowa City, IA? Just about everything. Located in the eastern part of the state, Iowa City boasts friendly folks, an incredible arts scene, highly-ranked medical care (Mercy Iowa City and University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics care for residents), safe neighborhoods and quality schools. The University of Iowa adds that fun college vibe to the city, bringing locals together to cheer on the Hawkeyes.
As far as work goes, Iowa City is home to both Fortune 500 companies and plenty of startups and is a leader in education technology. Plus, “Iowa Nice” is alive and well here, with all kinds of events and volunteer opportunities that bring people together in fun and constructive ways.
Families enjoy exploring over 50 parks, open spaces and natural areas, as well as craft breweries, locally owned shops and a wide assortment of delectable restaurants. Old Capital Museum (always free) is a great place to enhance learning alongside other museums across the city. And if you want to be a writer, Iowa City is the country’s first UNESCO “City of Literature” due to the famous Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where emerging writers have honed their craft for more than 80 years.
Finally, the creative culture here is thriving, with murals, painted downtown benches and arts programming that will appeal to everyone in the family.
Iowa City, IA Quality of Life LivScore
Iowa City, IA Top Categories
Health
Education
Amenities
Iowa City ranks highest for health, education and amenities.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Iowa City, IA
Iowa City has all four seasons: cold winters, cool springs, hot summers that reach the mid-80s and crisp autumn days. The average highs and lows are 83°F and 63°F (summer) and 34°F and 17°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Iowa City is around 27 inches.
The average annual rainfall in Iowa City is 37 inches. Though rain is evenly distributed throughout the year, June is the wettest month.
Iowa City averages 204 sunny days a year.
Spend an afternoon road cycling or gravel biking through Iowa City’s rolling cornfields. For camaraderie and route inspiration, join the Iowa City Cycling Club. Grab your four-legged friend and head to the 12-acre Thornberry Off-Leash Dog Park, which offers plenty of room to play fetch, get the zoomies and sniff some good smells.
Things To Do in Iowa City, IA
Visit the Iowa Old Capitol Building on the University of Iowa campus. This historic building, which opened in 1842, served as the state capitol from 1846 to 1857 and now operates as a museum.
Pick strawberries, apples, pumpkins and more at Wilson’s Orchard and Farm. The farm also has a smokehouse where you can grab lunch and a Farm Market where you can pick up more produce.
If you want to be a writer, there are endless reasons why you should move to Iowa City. First, Iowa City is a rich literary city, thanks largely to the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop, the country’s first creative writing degree program that started in 1936. Residents can even take a self-guided literary tour in Iowa City with 10 historically significant stops and bronze book sculptures on Linn Street.
Iowa City is big on bookworms. It is the world’s third UNESCO City of Literature, and the designation recognizes Iowa City’s commitment to literature through events, education, publishing, translation, libraries and bookstores. You’ll fall in love with the collection of books and the atmosphere at Prairie Lights.
Slurp ramen and share sashimi, short ribs and pot stickers at Ramen Belly.
The Englert Theatre is a popular performing arts venue in downtown Iowa City. Originally built in 1912, this self-described “vaudeville-era playhouse” seats 725 people and hosts cool shows and performances all year round.
You can’t go wrong with happy hour at Micky’s Irish Pub on Dubuque Street. This long-loved staple offers plenty of craft brews, whiskeys and cocktails.
The Local and State Economy in Iowa City, IA
Iowa City’s diverse economy includes various industries, including education, technology and advanced manufacturing. The largest employer in Iowa City is the University of Iowa. Other major employers are the Iowa City Community School District, Proctor & Gamble and ACT, Inc. (yes, that ACT!), which is headquartered in Iowa City.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Iowa City is 6%.
Yes, Iowa has a state income tax.
Iowa City residents are in good health, thanks largely to the nationally ranked University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, which also operates the nationally ranked Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Mercy Iowa City and UnityPoint Health are also major providers in the area.
There are several colleges and universities in Iowa City, including the University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College’s Iowa City Campus.
Weather in Iowa City, IA
Average Temperatures
60 high / 40 low
Average Annual Rainfall
37 in
Average Annual Snowfall
27 in
Quick Facts about Iowa City, Iowa
- Median Home Value
- $285,856
- Median Property Tax
- $2,466
- Total Population
- 76,439
- Average Commute
- 15 min
- Median Household Income
- $60,209
- Median Monthly Rent
- $863
Map of Iowa City, IA
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