63 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.
