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State index
Iowa state guide
Compare large Iowa cities by 2025 Census population, young-grad fit, BLS state unemployment, schooling access, cost pressure, commute, and safety-check notes. The current Iowa subset includes 10 Midwest city pages with a combined 2025 population estimate of 962,840.
State signal
Ankeny, Iowa has the strongest verified population-growth signal in this Iowa subset at +14.29% since the 2020 estimates base. For recent grads, also compare fit score, BLS state unemployment, schooling access, cost pressure, safety checks, and commute mode before signing a lease.
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| City | Catalog | Grad fit | Median rent | Median income | 2025 population | City unemployment | Growth | Jobs | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, Iowa | State starter | 67/100 | $1,090 | $65,932 | 212,086 | 5.6% | -0.91% | strong | rent watch |
| Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Iowa coverage | 70/100 | $967 | $70,424 | 137,935 | 3.6% | +0.14% | strong | rent-friendly |
| Davenport, Iowa | Iowa coverage | 68/100 | $978 | $66,200 | 100,358 | 4.6% | -1.35% | strong | rent-friendly |
| Sioux City, Iowa | Iowa coverage | 68/100 | $976 | $68,906 | 86,356 | 4.5% | +0.52% | strong | rent-friendly |
| Ankeny, Iowa | Iowa coverage | 85/100 | $1,319 | $108,198 | 77,833 | 1.9% | +14.29% | strong | rent-friendly |
| Iowa City, Iowa | Iowa coverage | 70/100 | $1,094 | $58,546 | 76,229 | 4.6% | +1.87% | strong | rent watch |
| West Des Moines, Iowa | Iowa coverage | 84/100 | $1,237 | $86,594 | 74,224 | 2.4% | +8.00% | strong | rent-friendly |
| Ames, Iowa | Iowa coverage | 74/100 | $1,023 | $60,991 | 68,220 | 5.8% | +2.68% | strong | rent watch |
| Waterloo, Iowa | Iowa coverage | 64/100 | $923 | $57,480 | 66,919 | 5.3% | -0.58% | strong | rent watch |
| Council Bluffs, Iowa | Iowa coverage | 65/100 | $1,030 | $64,578 | 62,680 | 4.2% | -0.18% | strong | rent watch |