Quick answer
Iowa can be a good place to live in 2027 if its numbers fit your life: the app's top-scoring places have a median home value of $297,800, rent of $1,185/month and household income of $103,174, and the state's violent crime rate (238 per 100k, 2025) is below the median state. Start your research with Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale.
Median home value
$297,800
Top-scoring places
Median rent
$1,185/mo
Household income
$103,174
Violent crime / 100k
238
Iowa, 2025
Population change
+1.2%
Tracked places + counties
Home value change
+7.0%
State wage income tax
Yes
Home value ÷ income
2.9×
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ankeny, IA | 79 | $311,300 | $1,279 | $106,603 | +3.1% |
| Johnston, IA | 73 | $346,200 | $1,288 | $103,430 | +1.4% |
| Urbandale, IA | 72 | $318,800 | $1,176 | $113,086 | +1.0% |
| North Liberty, IA | 71 | $300,000 | $1,226 | $103,933 | +1.9% |
| Waukee, IA | 69 | $328,200 | $1,290 | $106,728 | +7.7% |
| West Des Moines, IA | 69 | $286,300 | $1,194 | $84,925 | +1.7% |
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grundy County | 76 | $180,500 | $777 | $83,617 | +0.0% |
| Mitchell County | 75 | $164,100 | $739 | $68,704 | +0.1% |
| Sioux County | 73 | $235,600 | $888 | $84,736 | +0.5% |
| Wright County | 71 | $109,800 | $788 | $64,033 | -0.6% |
| Wayne County | 69 | $102,300 | $660 | $59,118 | +0.5% |
| Boone County | 68 | $191,200 | $826 | $79,741 | -0.1% |
Verdict factors to check before you decide
- 1Price the whole address: taxes, insurance, utilities and HOA, not just the listing.
- 2Confirm the exact city, county and school assignment for the address.
- 3Drive the commute at the hours you will actually travel.
- 4Check flood, heat and storm exposure on official maps.
- 5Compare crime at the jurisdiction level, then visit at night.
Frequently asked questions
Is Iowa a Good Place to Live in 2027?
Iowa can be a good place to live in 2027 if its numbers fit your life: the app's top-scoring places have a median home value of $297,800, rent of $1,185/month and household income of $103,174, and the state's violent crime rate (238 per 100k, 2025) is below the median state. Start your research with Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale.
What are the best places to live in Iowa?
In the Smart Movers Club app, the top-scoring Iowa cities are Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, North Liberty, Waukee, and the top counties are Grundy County, Mitchell County, Sioux County, Wright County. Scores combine income, housing, growth, employment and education.
Does Iowa have a state income tax?
Yes, Iowa taxes wage income. Check the state revenue department for current rates and compare property and sales taxes too.
Where does this data come from?
Figures come from the Smart Movers Club app, which compiles U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates and FBI state crime rates. Census figures are survey estimates, not live listing prices.
