What to know when moving to Sioux City, IA
Sioux City at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A ZIP where 98.8% of residents rent and the median household income is $18,103.
- The Major Draw:
- Median rent is just $676, making it an affordable option for renters.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 41.9%, many residents face economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 0% use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $676 a month in rent to find a place here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Sioux City has a population of 1,077, with a strikingly high renter percentage of 98.8%. This means that most residents are likely to be looking for rental properties rather than buying homes. The area has a relatively low median household income of $18,103, and an education rate of just 11.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. With a high poverty rate of 41.9%, financial challenges are common here. Outdoor options abound, with several parks nearby.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a financially robust community with a higher education level.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $676, making it quite affordable compared to many urban areas.
- Only 11.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, which may reflect community educational resources.
- Poverty rate stands at 41.9%, indicating significant economic challenges for many residents.
- A staggering 98.8% of the population are renters, suggesting a rental-heavy market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Iowa's crime rates indicate a general downward trend in violent and property crimes in recent years.
- Violent crime: 236.6 per 100k, which is 27.3% lower than the national average.
- Property crime: 1,201.8 per 100k, which is 22.3% lower than the national average.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 21.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Iowa).
Schools & Higher Ed
There are 5 postsecondary institutions available in the Sioux City area, providing various educational opportunities.
- Briar Cliff University
- Iowa School of Beauty-Sioux City
- Morningside University
- St Luke's College
- Western Iowa Tech Community College
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Woodbury County experiences an average annual precipitation of about 29.6 inches, with 66 rainy days each year. Summer highs can reach up to 97 degrees, while winter lows can drop to 19 degrees. Snowfall is minimal, averaging just 1.3 inches annually.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Bacon Creek Park - 4.7 stars (1,021 reviews)
- Riverside Park - 4.6 stars (967 reviews)
- Stone State Park - 4.7 stars (828 reviews)
- Sioux City Public Museum - 4.8 stars (631 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Woodbury County has a labor force of 56,732, with an unemployment rate of 3.7% as of December 2025. This indicates a relatively stable job market despite the economic challenges faced by residents.
- Unemployment rate: 3.7% as of December 2025
- Employment: 54,658 people
- Labor force: 56,732
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.