62 movers in Iowa City

What to know when moving to Iowa City, IA

TL;DR: Iowa City at a Glance

The Vibe:
A highly educated ZIP where 46.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and nearly half the residents rent.
The Major Draw:
Median household income is $55,189, making it a potentially affordable choice for many.
The Reality Check:
With a poverty rate of 26.2%, some residents may face financial challenges.
Commute:
Only 3.3% of residents use public transit, so a car is likely necessary.
Top Tip:
Budget for about $1,065 in monthly rent.

The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?

Iowa City has a population of 36,046 residents, with a nearly even split between renters (49.1%) and homeowners. The area is characterized by a high education level, with 46.6% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. However, the poverty rate of 26.2% indicates that financial resources can be strained for some. Most people rely on cars for transportation due to the low public transit usage.

Probably not your spot if you are looking for a low cost of living, as the poverty rate may signal economic challenges for some residents.

Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot

  • Median gross rent is $1,065, which is reasonable compared to national averages.
  • Median owner-occupied home value is $241,100.
  • The community has a poverty rate of 26.2%, indicating some financial diversity.
  • Nearly half of the residents are renters, suggesting a competitive rental market.

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

Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say

In Iowa, the property crime rate stands at 1,201.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 22.3% lower than the national average. Violent crime is at a rate of 236.6 per 100,000, also below the national rate by 27.3%. Both rates show a downward trend over the past few years, with property crime decreasing by 17.3% since 2022.

  • Violent crime: 236.6 per 100k in Iowa vs. 325.3 national
  • Property crime: 1,201.8 per 100k in Iowa vs. 1,546.9 national
  • Notable trend: Homicide rate down 21.2% since 2022.

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

Schools & Higher Ed

Iowa City has access to 2 postsecondary institutions, both located in Johnson County.

  • PCI Academy-Iowa City
  • University of Iowa

Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.

Weather & Getting Outside

While climate data is unavailable, there are several parks and outdoor activities to enjoy nearby. Check out these local attractions:

  • Herbert Hoover National Historic Site - 4.7 stars (1,388 reviews)
  • The Iowa Children's Museum - 4.8 stars (1,253 reviews)
  • City Park - 4.6 stars (570 reviews)
  • Thornberry Dog Park - 4.8 stars (504 reviews)

Source: Google Places API.

Jobs & the Local Economy

In Johnson County, the unemployment rate is low at 2.4% as of December 2025. The labor force consists of 90,915 individuals, with 88,766 employed.

  • Unemployment rate: 2.4% in December 2025
  • Labor force: 90,915
  • Employed: 88,766

Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics.

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Who regulates Iowa City interstate movers?

Iowa City 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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