When the good people of Iowa aren’t rooting for their Huskies or gnawing on a fresh ear of sweet corn at the West Point Sweet Corn Festival, they maintain some of the best places to live in the country.
The best places in Iowa have low crime, strong economies, good schools, and an overall high quality of life based on Census, FBI, and Zillow data.
We used Saturday Night Science to show that Iowa has a mix of great places to call home. From cool college towns like Sioux Center to yuppie cities like West Des Moines, Iowa has something for everyone.
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Map | Methodology | Summary
The 10 Best Places To Live In Iowa For 2025
Where is the best place to live in Iowa for 2025? The best place to live in Iowa is Asbury, according to the most recent FBI and Census data.
To see Iowa’s other best places to live, grab a Maid-Rite and some ice-cold lemonade and read on.
For more reading, check out:
The 10 Best Places To Live In Iowa For 2025
1. Asbury
| Stat | Asbury | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,949 | 3,195,937 |
| Rank Last Year | 1 | – |
| Median Home Value | $312,400 | $195,900 |
| Median Income | $130,071 | $73,147 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.0% | 3.6% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0034 | 0.0156 |
More on Asbury:
We’re taking a drive out to eastern Iowa to reach our best place in the state, Asbury. A suburb of Dubuque, Asbury’s local economy is quite small. But the residents who are working in Dubuque do quite well for themselves, seeing as Asbury has the 2nd highest median household income in Iowa at $130,071/year. Homes are also the 8th most expensive statewide in Asbury, with a median price of $312,400. That doesn’t seem to be turning people off of Asbury though because a whopping 90% of the population opts to buy instead of rent. And with Asbury’s population exploding by more than 40% since 2010, the housing market isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
Asbury also has the 8th lowest poverty level in Iowa at 5.2%. An incredibly high 98.4% of residents also have health insurance, the 7th highest rate in the state. While Asbury itself doesn’t have a whole lot going on in terms of entertainment, a short drive to Dubuque can get you to the Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium or the Dubuque Botanical Gardens any time you want.
| Stat | Eldridge | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,743 | 3,195,937 |
| Rank Last Year | 3 | – |
| Median Home Value | $329,400 | $195,900 |
| Median Income | $101,089 | $73,147 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.1% | 3.6% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0064 | 0.0156 |
More on Eldridge: Data
You would be hard-pressed to find an area more family friendly than Eldridge. This community located a little north of Davenport has almost everything a parent would want in a place to raise their children, including access to quality education. GreatSchools gives the area’s Neil Armstrong Elementary School an 8/10 rating.
Moms and dads in Eldridge do not have to fret about how they are going to foot the bill for extracurricular activities either. The city’s median household income of $101,089 should provide the financial wiggle room needed to cover the cost of gymnastics, piano lessons, and the like.
And for those oh-so-memorable family bonding moments like weekend camping trips, the more than 1,000 acres of Scott County Park should do the trick. Plus, Eldridge has the 9th lowest levels of total crime in the state, you can let your youngsters roam free with minimal worry.
3. Windsor Heights
| Stat | Windsor Heights | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,171 | 3,195,937 |
| Rank Last Year | 10 | – |
| Median Home Value | $251,800 | $195,900 |
| Median Income | $89,083 | $73,147 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.8% | 3.6% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0358 | 0.0156 |
More on Windsor Heights:
Located in Polk County, Windsor Heights is the 3rd most desirable place to live in the state. Since its incorporation in 1941, the city has thrived economically, evidenced by a low 1.8 unemployment rate, ranking 14th best in Iowa, and a high 89,083 median income.
Windsor Heights’ residents enjoy a safe environment with low crime rates, ranking 73rd best statewide in total crime per capita. Bordered by Des Moines, Urbandale, Clive, and West Des Moines, it ensures easy access to work with an average 15 minute commute.
| Stat | Pella | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,624 | 3,195,937 |
| Rank Last Year | 5 | – |
| Median Home Value | $259,600 | $195,900 |
| Median Income | $81,201 | $73,147 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.1% | 3.6% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0095 | 0.0156 |
More on Pella: Data
Head forty miles southeast of Des Moines and you will find Pella. If you dream of residing in Europe but that is not in the cards right now, this city founded by Dutch immigrants could be your next best option.
Pella offers many of the perks associated with life abroad. Some of the most notable being the high quality of life people who reside here can achieve thanks to a 1.1% unemployment rate and the 6th lowest levels of poverty in Iowa.
That reliable paycheck means the area’s $259,600 median home value is within reach. Parents will especially want to harness their purchasing power to land an abode zoned for Pella Middle School, which gets a 9/10 rating from GreatSchools.
Beyond providing its residents the opportunity to earn and learn their way to a better life, Pella also serves up a taste of Dutch culture — literally and figuratively. The city honors its roots through food, architecture, events and more. The area is even home to the Vermeer Windmill, the tallest working grain windmill in the United States.
| Stat | North Liberty | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 20,782 | 3,195,937 |
| Rank Last Year | 4 | – |
| Median Home Value | $300,000 | $195,900 |
| Median Income | $103,933 | $73,147 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.9% | 3.6% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0041 | 0.0156 |
More on North Liberty: Data
We’re finishing off our tour of the best places to call home in Iowa with North Liberty, a southern suburb of Cedar Rapids. North Liberty enjoys the 3rd lowest crime rate in Iowa, which is about 50% lower than the national average. North Liberty is served by two school districts that together spend 20% more per student than the Iowa average, so you know your kiddos will get all the resources they need here.
North Liberty has an incredibly low unemployment rate of just 2.9%, which ranks as the 30th lowest in Iowa. Folks that do have jobs enjoy the 10th highest median household income in the state at $103,933/year.
North Liberty also knows how to party year-round. In the summer, it’s all about the Blues & BBQ festival, while a week of winter is dedicated to Beat the Bitter events.
| Stat | Johnston | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,196 | 3,195,937 |
| Rank Last Year | 8 | – |
| Median Home Value | $346,200 | $195,900 |
| Median Income | $103,430 | $73,147 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.8% | 3.6% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0081 | 0.0156 |
More on Johnston: Data
Next up on our tour of Iowa’s best cities in Johnston, a northern suburb of Des Moines. GreatSchools gave Johnston’s public schools an average score of 8/10, the best rating of anywhere on this list. The investment in youth pays off, because the high school dropout rate in Johnston is among the lowest in the state, while test scores and graduation rates are among the highest. This love of education transcends generations in Johnston, because over half the adult population finished college, and a whopping 20% have a master’s degree, PhD, or professional degree.
History buffs with a military bent will find plenty to love at Johnston’s Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, while those just looking for a do-nothing day will find solace at Saylorville Lake. At either venue, you won’t have to worry about criminal activity, because Johnston had the 13th lowest crime rate in Iowa.
If you’re trying to buy a home in Johnston, it’ll cost you about $346,200, the 2nd highest price tag in the state. On the other hand, the median household income in Johnston is also the 11th highest in the state at $103,430/year, so if you can get salaries to match, the high price of housing shouldn’t faze you much. Nor should medical bills, seeing as 97.8% of residents have health insurance, the 12th highest rate of places in Iowa.
| Stat | Ankeny | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 70,542 | 3,195,937 |
| Rank Last Year | 11 | – |
| Median Home Value | $311,300 | $195,900 |
| Median Income | $106,603 | $73,147 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.2% | 3.6% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0139 | 0.0156 |
More on Ankeny: Data
Ankeny, Iowa, is a fantastic place to live, offering a high quality of life and many amenities. This vibrant city is known for its low cost of living and attractive median home prices, making it one of the best places to live in the state. With a population of 70,542 and a median income of 106,603, Ankeny offers residents a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Ankeny’s key selling point is its prime location within Iowa. Situated in Polk County and just a short drive from the state capital of Des Moines, residents have easy access to many attractions and activities. Ankeny boasts numerous parks, recreational facilities, and shopping centers, providing plenty of outdoor recreation and entertainment. Its proximity to Des Moines means residents can experience cultural events and a thriving restaurant scene.
| Stat | Norwalk | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 13,610 | 3,195,937 |
| Rank Last Year | 12 | – |
| Median Home Value | $275,700 | $195,900 |
| Median Income | $94,583 | $73,147 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.7% | 3.6% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0051 | 0.0156 |
More on Norwalk: Data
You could say living in Norwalk is the equivalent to getting a hole-in-one — and not only because it has three golf courses, including the nationally recognized one at The Legacy Golf Club.
Located right outside of Des Moines, this city of 13,610 offers a win-win for the wallets of its residents. With the first being an affordable cost of living. Considering that Norwalk landed a spot on this list, one would expect living here to come with a sky-high price tag. Instead, everyday costs are surprisingly reasonable in this community — take its median home value of $275,700 for example.
But you might think practically all the prices here are reasonable if you have the city’s median household income of $94,583 — the area’s second financial upside. Employers in Norwalk not only pay their people well, but they take care of them too. The city ranks 3rd in the state for the amount of residents with health insurance.
| Stat | Urbandale | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 46,026 | 3,195,937 |
| Rank Last Year | 6 | – |
| Median Home Value | $318,800 | $195,900 |
| Median Income | $113,086 | $73,147 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.9% | 3.6% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0085 | 0.0156 |
More on Urbandale: Data
Urbandale is another Des Moines suburb located just west of the capital. With a population of 46,026, Urbandale is the most populous city we’ll be covering on this list. It’s a popular choice for those working in Des Moines looking to get away from the increased crime rates associated with the bigger city. Homes in Urbandale are the 6th most expensive in the state at $318,800. That doesn’t seem to put people off though because nearly 80% of folks choose to buy instead of rent in Urbandale. Having the 5th highest median household income in the state at $113,086/year certainly helps offset the cost.
The economy works for everyone in Urbandale as well. The unemployment rate is a measly 2.9% and the poverty level is the 10th lowest in Iowa at 6.3%.
Of course, being just 15 minutes from the heart of Des Moines comes with some great perks. Like being able to get the freshest goodies around at the Des Moines Farmer’s Market and having ready access to all the events put on at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. And if you don’t feel like looking for parking in Des Moines, there’s always the option to catch a Buccaneers game closer to home.
| Stat | Bettendorf | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,297 | 3,195,937 |
| Rank Last Year | 9 | – |
| Median Home Value | $295,600 | $195,900 |
| Median Income | $102,917 | $73,147 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.0% | 3.6% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0122 | 0.0156 |
More on Bettendorf: Data
Bettendorf is a suburb of Davenport and a part of the Quad Cities area of eastern Iowa and western Illinois. Bettendorf is a great family city where around 20% of the population are younger than 18. Public schools consistently outshine the statewide average in test scores and Bettendorf’s high school dropout rate is the 30th lowest in Iowa. Bettendorf’s adults also love to learn, seeing as over half of them have a college degree and 20% have a master’s degree or higher.
Staying in school pays off because Bettendorf’s median household income is $102,917/year, the 12th highest in the state. As for family-friendly amenities, Bettendorf has you covered with the Family Museum of Art and Science.
Mapping The Best And Worst Places To Live in Iowa
Best Places To Live In Iowa Size Requirement
Before we even started to collect data on the best places to live in Iowa, we had to answer a tough question: Is it fair to pit Des Moines, with a population of 212,464, against places with a population of 18?
We firmly decided no, that just isn’t fair.
So, to create our ranking, we broke the best places to live into three tiers:
- Cities — Populations over 5,000
- Towns — Populations between 1,000 and 5,000
- Small Towns — Populations below 1,000
This filter left 78 cities, 213 towns, and 645 small towns.
We then decided no matter how much anyone loves their town, the best cities to live in Iowa have more of everything, and therefore, you need over 5,000 people to truly be ‘the best.’
Methodology: How We Calculated The Best Cities To Live In Iowa
Now that we had our set of the best possible cities, it was time to rank them using Saturday Night Science.
We ranked each place in Iowa across a number of criteria from one to 78, with one being the best.
We then took the average rank across all criteria, crowning the city posting the lowest overall score, the “Best Place To Live In Iowa.”
The criteria we looked to determine the best places were:
- Median Home Values
- Median Income
- Population Density (Higher is better)
- Unemployment Rate
- Commute Time
- Crime
- Education Levels
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Poverty rates
Sources of criteria include the New Census Data, FBI Crime Data, and Zillow. We updated this article for 2025. This report is our tenth time ranking Iowa’s best places to live.
If your city or town isn’t among the top 10, jump down to the bottom of the post to see a detailed chart of the best places in Iowa. Otherwise, buckle up for a ride down good living lane with Asbury at the end of the cul-de-sac.
Summary: The Best Places In Iowa
If you’re looking at areas in Iowa with the best economic situations, where there’s lower than average crime, and a lot to do, this is an accurate list.
The best places to live in Iowa are Asbury, Eldridge, Windsor Heights, Pella, North Liberty, Johnston, Ankeny, Norwalk, Urbandale, and Bettendorf.
Asbury made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for the best place to live in Iowa for 2025.
If you’re curious enough, here are the worst places to live in Iowa according to the data:
- Keokuk (Pop. 9,748)
- Centerville (Pop. 5,377)
- Clinton (Pop. 24,425)
For more Iowa reading, check out:
- Cheapest Places To Live In Iowa
- Most Dangerous Cities In Iowa
- Best Places To Raise A Family In Iowa
- Best Places To Retire In Iowa
- Richest Cities In Iowa
- Safest Places In Iowa
- Worst Places To Live In Iowa
Best Places To Live In Iowa Table
| Rank | City | Population | Unemployment Rate | Home Value | Median Income | Rent | Crime Per Capita |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asbury | 5,949 | 3.0% | $312,400 | $130,071 | $1,379 | 0.0034 |
| 2 | Eldridge | 6,743 | 1.1% | $329,400 | $101,089 | $845 | 0.0064 |
| 3 | Windsor Heights | 5,171 | 1.8% | $251,800 | $89,083 | $1,355 | 0.0358 |
| 4 | Pella | 10,624 | 1.1% | $259,600 | $81,201 | $1,041 | 0.0095 |
| 5 | North Liberty | 20,782 | 2.9% | $300,000 | $103,933 | $1,226 | 0.0041 |
| 6 | Johnston | 24,196 | 1.8% | $346,200 | $103,430 | $1,288 | 0.0081 |
| 7 | Ankeny | 70,542 | 2.2% | $311,300 | $106,603 | $1,279 | 0.0139 |
| 8 | Norwalk | 13,610 | 2.7% | $275,700 | $94,583 | $869 | 0.0051 |
| 9 | Urbandale | 46,026 | 2.9% | $318,800 | $113,086 | $1,176 | 0.0085 |
| 10 | Bettendorf | 39,297 | 2.0% | $295,600 | $102,917 | $1,148 | 0.0122 |
| 11 | Sioux Center | 8,335 | 1.2% | $275,900 | $87,555 | $884 | 0.0031 |
| 12 | Sergeant Bluff | 5,090 | 4.1% | $287,600 | $122,610 | $1,232 | 0.0237 |
| 13 | Marion | 41,690 | 3.4% | $230,800 | $87,105 | $978 | 0.0087 |
| 14 | Decorah | 7,597 | 3.8% | $234,600 | $62,177 | $788 | 0.0045 |
| 15 | Carroll | 10,261 | 3.1% | $184,100 | $59,323 | $718 | 0.0167 |
| 16 | Clive | 18,776 | 3.2% | $379,000 | $131,082 | $1,099 | 0.0156 |
| 17 | Tiffin | 5,271 | 0.6% | $315,800 | $106,034 | $1,367 | 0.0252 |
| 18 | West Des Moines | 69,893 | 2.5% | $286,300 | $84,925 | $1,194 | 0.0243 |
| 19 | Spirit Lake | 5,469 | 2.2% | $218,400 | $73,627 | $885 | 0.0194 |
| 20 | Glenwood | 5,118 | 2.6% | $193,800 | $69,320 | $842 | 0.0111 |
| 21 | Winterset | 5,384 | 2.7% | $181,500 | $69,268 | $943 | 0.0057 |
| 22 | Adel | 6,259 | 3.4% | $320,500 | $96,905 | $842 | 0.0101 |
| 23 | Waukee | 26,974 | 4.1% | $328,200 | $106,728 | $1,290 | 0.0113 |
| 24 | Boone | 12,445 | 1.7% | $156,400 | $67,269 | $791 | 0.0070 |
| 25 | Grinnell | 9,527 | 5.3% | $191,700 | $64,426 | $876 | 0.0152 |
| 26 | Altoona | 20,592 | 6.7% | $257,300 | $87,123 | $1,203 | 0.0226 |
| 27 | Indianola | 15,918 | 3.9% | $228,100 | $78,125 | $966 | 0.0207 |
| 28 | Grimes | 15,810 | 6.3% | $281,000 | $104,497 | $1,156 | 0.0255 |
| 29 | Bondurant | 8,061 | 0.7% | $288,600 | $128,341 | $1,176 | 0.0400 |
| 30 | Independence | 6,149 | 1.6% | $156,900 | $72,250 | $769 | 0.0088 |
| 31 | Cedar Falls | 40,662 | 3.2% | $252,500 | $74,165 | $1,177 | 0.0264 |
| 32 | Algona | 5,414 | 1.9% | $156,200 | $52,542 | $887 | 0.0063 |
| 33 | Ames | 66,112 | 6.4% | $263,800 | $60,102 | $1,040 | 0.0158 |
| 34 | Le Mars | 10,597 | 1.5% | $202,200 | $72,381 | $908 | 0.0102 |
| 35 | Coralville | 22,846 | 2.5% | $286,000 | $66,508 | $1,021 | 0.0252 |
| 36 | Clear Lake | 7,603 | 2.2% | $235,100 | $70,278 | $755 | 0.0235 |
| 37 | Nevada | 6,952 | 1.2% | $177,800 | $75,221 | $884 | 0.0158 |
| 38 | Waverly | 10,446 | 3.3% | $215,200 | $78,429 | $909 | 0.0167 |
| 39 | Dubuque | 59,271 | 4.4% | $193,100 | $64,985 | $943 | 0.0202 |
| 40 | Hiawatha | 7,178 | 6.0% | $210,200 | $67,628 | $846 | 0.0194 |
| 41 | Knoxville | 7,493 | 1.9% | $147,600 | $70,136 | $810 | 0.0195 |
| 42 | Sheldon | 5,386 | 0.7% | $173,600 | $68,448 | $842 | 0.0126 |
| 43 | Cedar Rapids | 136,859 | 3.9% | $177,100 | $67,859 | $925 | 0.0316 |
| 44 | Storm Lake | 11,275 | 3.7% | $163,600 | $58,341 | $830 | 0.0192 |
| 45 | Fairfield | 9,438 | 6.9% | $152,900 | $48,302 | $864 | 0.0103 |
| 46 | Oskaloosa | 11,492 | 4.2% | $128,900 | $62,172 | $880 | 0.0133 |
| 47 | Spencer | 11,393 | 5.1% | $178,300 | $57,068 | $795 | 0.0126 |
| 48 | Denison | 8,247 | 1.9% | $137,600 | $63,850 | $770 | 0.0104 |
| 49 | Anamosa | 5,553 | 5.1% | $164,900 | $56,167 | $897 | 0.0077 |
| 50 | Atlantic | 6,773 | 0.6% | $134,900 | $57,486 | $750 | 0.0217 |
| 51 | Creston | 7,466 | 4.0% | $112,600 | $50,752 | $672 | 0.0146 |
| 52 | Mount Pleasant | 9,093 | 2.5% | $145,600 | $59,216 | $773 | 0.0156 |
| 53 | Manchester | 5,144 | 3.1% | $130,500 | $58,578 | $743 | 0.0301 |
| 54 | Pleasant Hill | 10,796 | 7.5% | $284,100 | $86,890 | $1,204 | 0.0400 |
| 55 | Muscatine | 23,567 | 4.5% | $146,900 | $59,332 | $979 | 0.0147 |
| 56 | Estherville | 5,865 | 1.6% | $96,300 | $54,624 | $739 | 0.0072 |
| 57 | Council Bluffs | 62,564 | 4.2% | $164,300 | $64,092 | $980 | 0.0349 |
| 58 | Cherokee | 5,157 | 2.9% | $119,400 | $48,693 | $707 | 0.0056 |
| 59 | Burlington | 23,800 | 4.2% | $115,800 | $55,274 | $931 | 0.0278 |
| 60 | Washington | 7,314 | 4.7% | $144,500 | $56,536 | $927 | 0.0283 |
| 61 | Perry | 7,928 | 7.7% | $122,100 | $63,983 | $877 | 0.0139 |
| 62 | Iowa Falls | 5,062 | 7.7% | $106,300 | $53,051 | $898 | 0.0259 |
| 63 | Red Oak | 5,542 | 3.9% | $91,600 | $52,996 | $768 | 0.0206 |
| 64 | Clarinda | 5,366 | 9.0% | $112,200 | $50,644 | $653 | 0.0147 |
| 65 | Newton | 15,696 | 5.5% | $151,600 | $56,321 | $828 | 0.0162 |
| 66 | Marshalltown | 27,491 | 4.5% | $117,100 | $68,854 | $864 | 0.0243 |
| 67 | Maquoketa | 6,105 | 8.8% | $126,800 | $56,039 | $745 | 0.0221 |
| 68 | Osceola | 5,495 | 5.9% | $145,300 | $62,363 | $832 | 0.0195 |
| 69 | Davenport | 101,083 | 4.8% | $162,900 | $64,497 | $930 | 0.0445 |
| 70 | Des Moines | 212,464 | 5.7% | $183,700 | $63,966 | $1,054 | 0.0400 |
| 71 | Fort Dodge | 24,788 | 4.1% | $128,900 | $61,769 | $764 | 0.0398 |
| 72 | Ottumwa | 25,352 | 3.7% | $92,400 | $56,994 | $956 | 0.0340 |
| 73 | Waterloo | 66,947 | 6.4% | $150,200 | $56,344 | $896 | 0.0264 |
| 74 | Fort Madison | 10,221 | 4.3% | $95,900 | $49,359 | $824 | 0.0249 |
| 75 | Oelwein | 5,878 | 7.8% | $96,800 | $49,821 | $762 | 0.0102 |
| 76 | Keokuk | 9,748 | 5.8% | $93,700 | $49,340 | $810 | 0.0254 |
| 77 | Centerville | 5,377 | 9.6% | $99,000 | $41,472 | $758 | 0.0257 |
| 78 | Clinton | 24,425 | 4.5% | $115,400 | $57,493 | $751 | 0.0339 |