Moving to Iowa in 2024? Complete Moving Guide

Are you thinking of moving to Iowa? 

Moving is exciting and scary, both at the same time. But a little information about the new state or city can help you keep calm and prepare for the move. We have prepared this guide to give you insights about Iowa before moving there. Iowa is a state a great option if you are seeking an affordable place to live. The state has rural charm; you can experience four distinct weathers here. It is a safe place to live as the crime rate in the state is lower than the national average. You can be mesmerized by the scenic beauty of Iowa. But this information is not enough if you have decided to move here. So, let us explore Iowa through this guide.

• Quick Facts of Iowa
• Top reasons to move to Iowa
• Pros & Cons of Living in Iowa
• Best Neighborhoods in the Iowa
• Cost of living in Iowa
• Iowa job market
• Major industries in Iowa
• Top Career Options in Iowa
• Best things to do in Iowa
• Schools in Iowa
• Type of insurance required in Iowa
• Taxes in Iowa

The educated population is around 32% who hold a bachelor's or other higher degrees. About 5% of Iowa's population is foreign-born, and English is the dominant language. Other than English, most people speak Spanish. Let us explore the statistics for the demographics of Iowa-

Male vs Female Population of Iowa

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Iowa

But you can relax as we have gathered essential information about the best cities in the state where you can make your new home. We have provided statistics about the population, median home value and unemployment rate in each city. Let us explore-

But everyone wants a neighborhood that will make them feel at home. They need a place that will be safe for their children and may give them peace and calm. So, to make your search easy, we have collected information about some of the best neighborhoods in Iowa-

So, we have compiled all the details related to the cost of living in Iowa. The cost of living in Iowa is lower than the national average.

Cost of Living by Categories in Iowa vs USA 

Median House Price in Iowa vs USA

Median Rent Price in Iowa vs USA

Housing Market in Iowa

Recently, the housing market in Iowa is undergoing some interesting variations. There has been a significant growth in house prices in Iowa that has come to a slight moderation. The number of homes available for sale in Iowa has shown an increase.

Average Rental Cost in Iowa

The average rental cost varies depending on the location, size, age and type of property. The median rent for different property types and sizes is $1,095 per month.

Median Home Value in Iowa

The median home value in Iowa is lower than the national average. This makes Iowa an attractive option for homebuyers.

The job market in Iowa is industry-focused like- manufacturing, agriculture and renewable energy. There a plenty of opportunities in these industries, but if you have some other interests then explore more. In this section, you can explore different aspects associated with the job market in Iowa-

Median Income in Iowa vs USA 

Unemployment Rate in Iowa vs USA

We have simplified your job search by providing the data related to the career options in Iowa-  

Biggest Companies in Iowa by city and number of employees

Like other states, Iowa is home to many companies. But there are a few companies that are considered the biggest companies.

Elementary Schools in Iowa

Middle Schools in Iowa

High Schools in Iowa

Colleges and Universities in Iowa

Each state has its regulations about mandatory insurance policies. Though some insurances are not mandated by the government you can buy them for safety.

Auto Insurance- In Iowa, each driver is required to have a liability car insurance and it is mandatory by law. The insurance must have minimum coverage of

Homeowner’s Insurance- This insurance policy will protect your property against damage caused by fire, vandalism, theft and other events covered. It will provide liability coverage if someone gets hurt on your property.

Renter’s Insurance- This insurance will provide coverage for your household items within the rented space but it does not cover the building itself.

Health Insurance- There are multiple options for healthcare insurance including employer-sponsored plans, government programs, individual plans and more. It will cover the medical expenses in case of injury or illness.

Life Insurance- This type of insurance policy will provide financial assistance to the family to manage various expenses in the event of your death.

Flood Insurance- The state government has mandated the purchase of flood insurance, but it is highly recommended. You can check if your homeowner insurance covers the flood damage.

Disability Insurance- It will provide financial assistance in case you become disabled and not be able to work. It will cover the cost of your living expenses and medical bills.

State income tax Iowa has a graduated income tax system which means with the increase in your salary, your tax rate increases. The state income tax rates range between 0%-8.53% depending on your taxable income.

State Sales Tax- Iowa has a statewide sales tax rate of 6%. There are additional local sales taxes in different localities which can range between 0%-2% and increase the tax rate to 8%.

Hotel and Motel Tax- Iowa has a state excise tax on hotel and motel stays. The rates for hotel and motel tax is 5%.

Estate Tax- This type of tax applies when the estates exceed the specific threshold.

Property tax- This is considered as one of the primary sources of revenue for local government. The tax rates can vary depending on the location and property value.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.