Iowa
Real talk: You are probably underestimating the attraction of living in Iowa.
Sure, you know about the state’s cornfields and the baseball diamonds Kevin Costner builds in them, but Iowa is so much more than sprawling farms and iconic baseball movies. This state deserves a second look — and a chance to surprise you.
Iowa is packed with job opportunities in cutting-edge industries like health care, finance and education technology. Entrepreneurs and businesses flock here for the low tax rates, strong local talent pool, and collaborative and creative culture. The state’s educational institutions draw students and faculty from around the world, including an impressive roster of legendary writers who study and teach at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa.
Living in Iowa comes with many benefits. Farm-to-table is a way of life here, as foodies and restaurateurs get to enjoy fresh produce and meat grown on local farms. And working up an appetite is easy — take your pick from Iowa’s countless parks, hiking trails or world-renowned biking routes to break a sweat and take in the scenery.
Is this heaven? It might be. But it’s definitely Iowa.
Read on to learn more about working and living in Iowa, from the best places to live to details about education and careers to fun things to do.
Livability Ames, Iowa and the Greater Boone, Greene, Hamilton and Story County Region
This digital edition of the Livability Ames, Iowa and the Greater Boone, Greene, Hamilton and Story County Region is sponsored by Ames Regional Economic Alliance.
Livability Cedar Rapids, IA Magazine
This digital edition of the Livability Cedar Rapids, IA Magazine is sponsored by Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance.
Live the Valley
This digital edition of the Live the Valley is sponsored by Grow Cedar Valley and Cedar Valley Regional Partnership.
Council Bluffs, IA
This digital edition of the Council Bluffs, IA is sponsored by Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce.
Livability Marshalltown, IA
This digital edition of the Livability Marshalltown, IA is sponsored by Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce.
Quick Facts About Iowa
- Median Household Income
- $75,984
- Average Property Tax
- $2,826
- State Population
- 3,259,074
- Sales Tax Rate
- 6 %
- State Income Tax
- 0.33%
- Median Monthly Rent
- $783
Iowa Businesses & Brands to Know
Places We Love In Iowa
Cities in Iowa on Livability.com
- Adel, IA
- Algona, IA
- Altoona, IA
- Ames, IA
- Anamosa, IA
- Ankeny, IA
- Asbury, IA
- Atlantic, IA
- Bettendorf, IA
- Bloomfield, IA
- Bondurant, IA
- Boone, IA
- Burlington, IA
- Carroll, IA
- Cedar Falls, IA
- Cedar Rapids, IA
- Centerville, IA
- Charles City, IA
- Cherokee, IA
- Clarinda, IA
- Clear Lake, IA
- Clinton, IA
- Clive, IA
- Coralville, IA
- Council Bluffs, IA
- Creston, IA
- Davenport, IA
- Decorah, IA
- Denison, IA
- Des Moines, IA
- DeWitt, IA
- Dubuque, IA
- Eldridge, IA
- Estherville, IA
- Fairfield, IA
- Fort Dodge, IA
- Fort Madison, IA
- Gilbert, IA
- Glenwood, IA
- Grimes, IA
- Grinnell, IA
- Hiawatha, IA
- Huxley, IA
- Independence, IA
- Indianola, IA
- Iowa City, IA
- Iowa Falls, IA
- Jefferson, IA
- Johnston, IA
- Keokuk, IA
- Knoxville, IA
- Le Mars, IA
- Manchester, IA
- Maquoketa, IA
- Marion, IA
- Marshalltown, IA
- Mason City, IA
- Mount Pleasant, IA
- Mount Vernon, IA
- Muscatine, IA
- Nevada, IA
- Newton, IA
- North Liberty, IA
- Norwalk, IA
- Oelwein, IA
- Orange City, IA
- Osceola, IA
- Oskaloosa, IA
- Ottumwa, IA
- Pella, IA
- Perry, IA
- Pleasant Hill, IA
- Red Oak, IA
- Sheldon, IA
- Shenandoah, IA
- Sioux Center, IA
- Sioux City, IA
- Spencer, IA
- Spirit Lake, IA
- Storm Lake, IA
- Story City, IA
- Urbandale, IA
- Vinton, IA
- Washington, IA
- Waterloo, IA
- Waukee, IA
- Waverly, IA
- Webster City, IA
- West Des Moines, IA
- Windsor Heights, IA
- Winterset, IA
Experiences & Adventures in Iowa
Where to Pick Pumpkins in Every State
We scoured all 50 states to pinpoint the perfect place to pick your pumpkin this Halloween season. Here's where to find them.
7 State Parks That Rival National Parks — Without the Cost or the Crowds
Want an unforgettable outdoor experience without the hassle, cost and crowds? Check out these fantastic state parks.
10 Best State Fairs in America
These ten state fairs take the (funnel) cake for the most fun.
Food Scenes in Iowa
The Official Food of Each State in the U.S
Eat your way through America the beautiful with our guide to the official food of each state.
Feast on Fabulous Farm-to-table Fare in Iowa
A rich, agricultural heritage provides restaurants with fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy!
Healthy Places in Iowa
How to Have Fun and Stay Fit in Iowa
Countless recreation activities allow residents to stay active year-round.
Iowa: Where to Live Now
Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Midwest
These 25 Midwestern cities each have something special to offer residents.
5 Presidential Campaign Stops That Are Also Awesome Places to Live
These cities might be best known as the backdrops for presidential campaigns, but they're definitely worth a closer look
5 Reasons to Call Cedar Valley, IA, Home
Why move to Cedar Valley? This collection of standout communities that include Waterloo and Cedar Falls have so much to offer.
Education, Careers and Opportunity in Iowa
Why We Built Our Business in Cedar Falls
The Renauds, creators of the PicklePlay app, share what makes the Cedar Valley region so special.
Aspiring Writer? This City in Iowa Could Be Your Muse
This hot spot has the resources and support you need to turn your story ideas into riveting prose.
Women-owned Boutiques Create a Buzz in Ames MSA
Find out why businesses in Ames and the surrounding communities thrive.
Iowa: Love Where You Live
50 Things You Didn’t Know About the Olympics
Can't make it to Milano Cortina for the Winter Games and have some serious FOMO? Us, too! Here are 50 things you might not know about the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games.
Here’s Where to Find the Most Heartwarming Tradition in College Sports
Fair warning: it's impossible to watch this without tearing up.
Why Cedar Valley, IA, is a Great Place to Live
This region in Northeast Iowa, which consists of Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Waverly and other great towns, stands out as the ultimate family-friendly destination.