Iowa City
If the roar of the crowd at nearby University of Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium doesn’t give you a sense of community, this city’s prevalent “Midwest nice” attitude is sure to win you over.
- StateIowa
- CountyJohnson
- Population75,399
Iowa City’s character comes in large part from the University of Iowa, which is located at the city center. Locals and visitors alike can take advantage of all this college town has to offer, including catching a game at Kinnick Stadium, home of the U of I Hawkeyes.
The University is home to the famous Iowa Writers’ Workshop, which counts a number of literary luminaries among its alumni and faculty. The city enjoys the unique distinction of being a UNESCO City of Literature, and the Iowa Avenue literary walk is lined with plaques displaying quotes from notable writers who have ties to the state and the workshop.
Beyond higher education, over two-thirds of Iowa City’s public schools are rated average or above average. The local hospital ranks higher than average, and residents have access to a number of senior care facilities.
In the warm months, residents can enjoy more than 60 trails and parks, like the 13-mile Iowa River Corridor Trail.
Iowa City earned a Blue Zone certification in 2016, a program that helps communities prioritize the overall health and longevity of residents through well-being, food, and transportation. —AM
Town information
| Median sale price for single family residences (2022) | $267,161 |
| Median household income | $59,939 |
| Racial breakdown | Black: 8.6%, Asian: 7.4%, Hispanic: 6.4%, White, non-Hispanic: 74.8% |
| U.S. racial breakdown | Black: 13.6%, Asian: 6.1%, Hispanic: 18.9%, White, non-Hispanic: 59.3% |
| Sharecare Community Well-Being Index Score (out of 100) | 74 |
| District high school graduation rate | 90% |
| Number of quality family medicine doctors (rated 3.5 or higher) per 100,000 households, within 25 miles | 61 |
| Number of quality nursing homes per 100,000 households, within 25 miles | 37 |