57 movers in Council Bluffs

What to know when moving to Council Bluffs, IA

Council Bluffs at a Glance

The Vibe:
A community where 33.8% of residents are renters and the median household income is $59,314.
The Major Draw:
Median gross rent here is $997, making it accessible for many.
The Reality Check:
With a poverty rate of 13.6%, some residents may face economic challenges.
Commute:
Only 0.8% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
Top Tip:
Budget for $997 per month in rent to secure a place.

The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?

Council Bluffs has a population of 34,928, characterized by a relatively low education level, with only 16.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The community has a renter population of 33.8%, suggesting a mix of residents, but the 13.6% poverty rate indicates that not everyone is financially secure. Weather-wise, the area sees about 67 rainy days a year, so be prepared for wet weather.

Probably not your spot if: you prefer areas with higher educational attainment or a lower poverty rate.

Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot

  • Median gross rent is $997, which is affordable compared to many larger cities.
  • The median home value is $140,400, allowing for homeownership opportunities.
  • Approximately 33.8% of residents are renters, indicating a balanced housing market.
  • The poverty rate stands at 13.6%, reflecting some economic diversity within the community.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.

Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say

Iowa's crime statistics show a lower rate of both violent and property crimes compared to the national averages. The violent crime rate in Iowa is 236.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.3% lower than the national rate. Property crime stands at 1201.8 per 100,000 residents, also 22.3% below the national average.

  • Violent crime: 236.6 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 20% since 2022.
  • Property crime: 1201.8 per 100k vs. national 1546.9, down 17.3% since 2022.
  • Notable trend: Homicides have decreased by 21.2% since 2022.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Iowa).

Schools & Higher Ed

There are 16 postsecondary institutions in the surrounding area, with several options nearby. Notable nearby schools include Iowa Western Community College and SOHO Hair Academy, both located in Council Bluffs, as well as several institutions in Omaha, Nebraska, just across the river.

  • Iowa Western Community College
  • SOHO Hair Academy
  • Bellevue University (Bellevue, NE)
  • Creighton University (Omaha, NE)

Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.

Weather & Getting Outside

Pottawattamie County experiences an average annual high of 72°F and approximately 25.5 inches of precipitation each year, with about 67 rainy days. Snowfall is minimal, averaging only 0.4 inches annually. If you enjoy outdoor activities, consider visiting nearby parks.

  • Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront - 4.6 stars (2,768 reviews)
  • Lake Manawa State Park - 4.5 stars (2,600 reviews)
  • Lewis & Clark Landing at The RiverFront - 4.7 stars (1,505 reviews)
  • Bayliss Park - 4.5 stars (1,320 reviews)

Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.

Jobs & the Local Economy

Pottawattamie County has a labor force of 48,034, with an unemployment rate of 3.9% as of December 2025. That translates to 46,154 employed residents, indicating a relatively stable job market.

  • Unemployment rate: 3.9% (December 2025)
  • Employed residents: 46,154
  • Labor force total: 48,034

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.

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Who regulates Council Bluffs interstate movers?

Council Bluffs moving companies are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they perform interstate moves. No matter if it is a moving company or a broker, they should have a valid DOT number. You can look up a mover here.

Agency: United States Department of Transportation
Address: 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington DC 20590
Phone: (855) 368-4200
Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov

To see if a specific movers complies with regulations, simply select a company from the list.

Moving within vs moving out of Iowa

Let's see how many people move within Iowa versus those who moved from Hawkeye State to another state.

Moved Within IA
39%
Moved out of IA
61%

Our statistics show that more people in Iowa (61%) have chosen to move to another state, with 39% of those people ending up moving to another town or city within the same state.

Listed as one of the safest states to live in, Iowa still gets to see more home movers pack up their belongings and relocate to another U.S. state. When moving out of the capital city Des Moines or from any other town or city in the state, picking a reputable interstate mover still remains a number one priority.

Who regulates Iowa local movers

If you’re about to move from one home to another within the state lines of Iowa, make sure you hire a local moving company that has been properly licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. The IOWA DOT regulates intrastate movers and issues special IOWAMC numbers to the companies that meet their safety and insurance requirements.

Agency:Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:PO Box 10382, Des Moines, IA 50306-0382
Phone:(515) 237-3264
Website: www.iowa.gov

What do people move within Iowa?

Ever wondered which are the most popular move sizes when people move locally in IA?

Studio (4%)
1 Bedroom (20%)
2 Bedroom (29%)
3 Bedroom (26%)
4 Bedroom (10%)

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How much does it cost to hire movers

As it turns out, the cost to hire professional movers will effectively solve the ever-present dilemma of whether you should hire a mover or do it yourself. The cost depends on a number of important factors, including the type of the move itself (local move or a long distance). See the breakdown.

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