Why moving to Iowa: Affordable cost of living. High-quality education system. Strong job market. Friendly communities. Diverse outdoor activities. Low crime rates. Thriving arts and culture scene. Beautiful rural landscapes. Robust healthcare facilities. Agricultural economic strength.
Affordable cost of living
Iowa offers an affordable cost of living, with housing costs about 20% lower than the national average, utilities 5% lower, and overall living expenses approximately 9% lower than the U.S. average, making it an attractive option for those seeking financial stability and a comfortable lifestyle. For more insights on why Iowa might be an appealing choice, visit this comprehensive overview on Iowa as a relocation destination.
High-quality education system
Iowa's Education System, though ranking 13th nationally, faces challenges such as declining test scores and rising chronic absenteeism, but it still maintains high on-time high school graduation rates and strong ACT scores, indicating a system that, while not as top-ranked as in the past, still offers a solid educational foundation. More insights into Iowa's performance can be found on the Iowa Capital Dispatch. With focused efforts, Iowa may overcome these challenges to regain its previous standing in state education rankings.
Strong job market
While Iowa's job market is not as robust as the national average, with job growth at 0.7% year over year, the state still offers over 50,000 job openings and a low unemployment rate of 2.9%, indicating a stable labor environment despite slower growth. For more insights on this trend, you can read the full analysis on Axios, which provides detailed coverage of local economic conditions and factors affecting job growth in the region.
Friendly communities
Moving to Iowa offers the opportunity to experience some of the friendliest communities in the country, with towns like Decorah, Fairfield, and North Liberty renowned for their warm and welcoming locals, strong sense of community, and numerous events that foster connections and friendships. Iowa's small towns are known for their genuine hospitality, where locals welcome visitors like old friends and share their stories, creating a memorable and inclusive experience. For more information on these wonderful towns, visit the article on World Atlas.
Diverse outdoor activities
Iowa offers a diverse range of outdoor activities across its regions, including hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and camping in numerous state parks like Maquoketa Caves, Pikes Peak, and Lake Manawa, as well as extensive trail networks and water recreation opportunities along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. With so many options to explore, the Visit Iowa website provides an excellent guide to discovering the natural beauty of the state, ensuring an adventure for every outdoor enthusiast.
Low crime rates
Iowa is an attractive destination due to its exceptionally low crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 267 per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national rate of 379 per 100,000, and a total crime rate that is 24% lower than the national average. For more detailed information, visit the comprehensive analysis on crime statistics at 247 Wall St.
Thriving arts and culture scene
Iowa boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous designated Iowa Great Places and Cultural & Entertainment Districts, such as Council Bluffs, Forest City, and Mason City. These places host a variety of festivals, performances, and cultural events, and feature vibrant centers like the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center and the Boman Fine Arts Center. For more information on these cultural hubs and the events they offer, visit the Creative Places section of the Iowa Economic Development Authority website.
Beautiful rural landscapes
Iowa offers stunning rural landscapes with unique attractions such as the Gitchie Manitou State Preserve, Living History Farms, and the scenic Roller Coaster Road, providing a blend of natural beauty and rural charm.
Robust healthcare facilities
Iowa boasts a robust healthcare system, ranking second in the nation in the Common Sense Institute's Healthcare Competitiveness Index, with strong access to care through a competitive private insurance landscape and a high quality of healthcare, despite facing challenges in rural healthcare access and workforce shortages.
Agricultural economic strength
Moving to Iowa offers significant economic benefits due to its robust agricultural sector, with Iowa's many family farms contributing 32% more to the state economy since 2017 and accounting for over 22% of Iowa's total economic output in 2022. This thriving agricultural industry supports more than 385,000 jobs in agriculture and related industries. Learn more about how Farming Supports Iowa's Economy and see why this sector remains a cornerstone of the state’s financial growth.