Iowa City, IA
Population 75,264 · Iowa
About Iowa City, IA
Iowa City is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 75,264 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,533 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 26.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Iowa City features a median home value of $273,600, which is 12% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Iowa City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,094, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 33,855 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (14,253 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (16,527 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Iowa City shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 26.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Iowa City have an average one-way commute time of 17.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
60.7% of Iowa City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 4.1% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 12.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Iowa City Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Iowa City, IA
Compared to national averages, Iowa City has a median household income of $57,533 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $273,600, which is 12% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,094 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Iowa City's income is 15% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 107% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Iowa City, IA?
Iowa City offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,094/month, and a well-educated community where 60.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 17.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,533) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Iowa City provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Iowa City has a population of 75,264 with a median age of 26.3 years. Compare Iowa City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Iowa City
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ankeny | 70,542 | $106,603 | $311,300 | Compare |
| West Des Moines | 69,893 | $84,925 | $286,300 | Compare |
| Waterloo | 66,947 | $56,344 | $150,200 | Compare |
| Ames | 66,112 | $60,102 | $263,800 | Compare |
| Sioux City | 85,651 | $65,473 | $162,600 | Compare |
| Council Bluffs | 62,564 | $64,092 | $164,300 | Compare |
| Dubuque | 59,271 | $64,985 | $193,100 | Compare |
| Davenport | 101,083 | $64,497 | $162,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Iowa City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Iowa City
What is the population of Iowa City, IA?
The population of Iowa City, IA is 75,264 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Iowa City?
The median household income in Iowa City, IA is $57,533 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Iowa City?
The median home value in Iowa City, IA is $273,600, which is 12% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Iowa City?
The median monthly rent in Iowa City, IA is $1,094, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Iowa City?
The unemployment rate in Iowa City, IA is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Iowa City, IA a good place to live?
Iowa City offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 75,264 and a median age of 26.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Iowa City, IA?
60.7% of residents in Iowa City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Iowa City, IA: median home value is $273,600 (12% above national), median rent is $1,094/month, and median household income is $57,533. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Iowa City?
The poverty rate in Iowa City, IA is 26.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Iowa City, IA?
Iowa City's population is 4.1% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 8.3% two or more races. 12.2% of residents are foreign-born.