Best suburbs to live in Iowa
Stacker
Josep Suria // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 2,437
- Population: 3,332
- Median household income: $78,861
- Median home value: $186,600 (62% own)
- Median rent: $745 (38% rent)
- Top public schools: Williamsburg Junior/Senior High School (grade A minus), Mary Welsh Elementary School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Lutheran Interparish School (grade unavailable)
- Population: 3,332
- Median household income: $78,861
- Median home value: $186,600 (62% own)
- Median rent: $745 (38% rent)
- Top public schools: Williamsburg Junior/Senior High School (grade A minus), Mary Welsh Elementary School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Lutheran Interparish School (grade unavailable)
#23. Williamsburg, Iowa
BAZA Production // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 2,433
- Population: 15,402
- Median household income: $99,896
- Median home value: $275,400 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,042 (32% rent)
- Top public schools: Waukee Senior High School (grade A), Walnut Hills Elementary School (grade A), Henry A. Wallace Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A minus), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)
- Population: 15,402
- Median household income: $99,896
- Median home value: $275,400 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,042 (32% rent)
- Top public schools: Waukee Senior High School (grade A), Walnut Hills Elementary School (grade A), Henry A. Wallace Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A minus), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)
#22. Grimes, Iowa
RossHelen // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 2,383
- Population: 7,179
- Median household income: $65,610
- Median home value: $194,100 (67% own)
- Median rent: $818 (33% rent)
- Top public schools: Hazel Point Intermediate School (grade A), John F. Kennedy High School (grade A minus), Viola Gibson Elementary School (grade B+)
- Top private schools: Xavier High School (grade A minus), Cedar Valley Christian School (grade B minus), Isaac Newton Christian Academy (grade B minus)
- Population: 7,179
- Median household income: $65,610
- Median home value: $194,100 (67% own)
- Median rent: $818 (33% rent)
- Top public schools: Hazel Point Intermediate School (grade A), John F. Kennedy High School (grade A minus), Viola Gibson Elementary School (grade B+)
- Top private schools: Xavier High School (grade A minus), Cedar Valley Christian School (grade B minus), Isaac Newton Christian Academy (grade B minus)
#21. Hiawatha, Iowa
NDAB Creativity // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 2,358
- Population: 4,845
- Median household income: $94,011
- Median home value: $295,800 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,152 (14% rent)
- Top public schools: Liberty High School (grade A), Christine Grant Elementary School (grade A minus), Solon Intermediate (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Scattergood Friends School (grade A), Regina Catholic Education Center (grade A), Heritage Christian School (grade unavailable)
- Population: 4,845
- Median household income: $94,011
- Median home value: $295,800 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,152 (14% rent)
- Top public schools: Liberty High School (grade A), Christine Grant Elementary School (grade A minus), Solon Intermediate (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Scattergood Friends School (grade A), Regina Catholic Education Center (grade A), Heritage Christian School (grade unavailable)
#20. Tiffin, Iowa
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 2,352
- Population: 6,090
- Median household income: $91,891
- Median home value: $286,000 (67% own)
- Median rent: $818 (33% rent)
- Top public schools: Van Meter Middle School (grade A), Radiant Elementary (grade A minus), Grant Ragan Elementary School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+), St. Francis of Assisi School (grade unavailable)
- Population: 6,090
- Median household income: $91,891
- Median home value: $286,000 (67% own)
- Median rent: $818 (33% rent)
- Top public schools: Van Meter Middle School (grade A), Radiant Elementary (grade A minus), Grant Ragan Elementary School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+), St. Francis of Assisi School (grade unavailable)
#19. Adel, Iowa
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 2,000
- Population: 7,617
- Median household income: $120,588
- Median home value: $274,800 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,084 (8% rent)
- Top public schools: Heritage Elementary School (grade A minus), Spring Creek Sixth Grade Center (grade A minus), Altoona Elementary School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A minus), Ankeny Christian Academy (grade B+)
- Population: 7,617
- Median household income: $120,588
- Median home value: $274,800 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,084 (8% rent)
- Top public schools: Heritage Elementary School (grade A minus), Spring Creek Sixth Grade Center (grade A minus), Altoona Elementary School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A minus), Ankeny Christian Academy (grade B+)
#18. Bondurant, Iowa
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 1,843
- Population: 41,401
- Median household income: $81,519
- Median home value: $208,200 (78% own)
- Median rent: $906 (22% rent)
- Top public schools: Indian Creek Elementary School (grade A), Westfield Elementary School (grade A), Linn-Mar High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Xavier High School (grade A minus), Cedar Valley Christian School (grade B minus), Isaac Newton Christian Academy (grade B minus)
- Population: 41,401
- Median household income: $81,519
- Median home value: $208,200 (78% own)
- Median rent: $906 (22% rent)
- Top public schools: Indian Creek Elementary School (grade A), Westfield Elementary School (grade A), Linn-Mar High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Xavier High School (grade A minus), Cedar Valley Christian School (grade B minus), Isaac Newton Christian Academy (grade B minus)
#17. Marion, Iowa
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 1,828
- Population: 5,604
- Median household income: $152,536
- Median home value: $363,100 (88% own)
- Median rent: $723 (12% rent)
- Top public schools: Rock Creek Elementary School (grade A), Northview Middle School (grade A), Prairie Ridge Middle School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Des Moines Christian School (grade B+), Ankeny Christian Academy (grade B+), Holy Trinity Catholic School (grade unavailable)
- Population: 5,604
- Median household income: $152,536
- Median home value: $363,100 (88% own)
- Median rent: $723 (12% rent)
- Top public schools: Rock Creek Elementary School (grade A), Northview Middle School (grade A), Prairie Ridge Middle School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Des Moines Christian School (grade B+), Ankeny Christian Academy (grade B+), Holy Trinity Catholic School (grade unavailable)
#16. Polk City, Iowa
oneinchpunch // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 1,747
- Population: 4,679
- Median household income: $95,206
- Median home value: $284,600 (70% own)
- Median rent: $926 (30% rent)
- Top public schools: Pleasant Valley Junior High School (grade A+), Pleasant Valley High School (grade A+), Cody Elementary (grade A)
- Top private schools: Rivermont Collegiate (grade A+), Alleman High School (grade A minus), Assumption High School (grade A minus)
- Population: 4,679
- Median household income: $95,206
- Median home value: $284,600 (70% own)
- Median rent: $926 (30% rent)
- Top public schools: Pleasant Valley Junior High School (grade A+), Pleasant Valley High School (grade A+), Cody Elementary (grade A)
- Top private schools: Rivermont Collegiate (grade A+), Alleman High School (grade A minus), Assumption High School (grade A minus)
#15. Le Claire, Iowa
Akarawut // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 1,624
- Population: 5,200
- Median household income: $85,055
- Median home value: $234,700 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,207 (23% rent)
- Top public schools: Valley High School (grade A), Van Meter Middle School (grade A), Heritage Elementary (grade A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A minus), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)
- Population: 5,200
- Median household income: $85,055
- Median home value: $234,700 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,207 (23% rent)
- Top public schools: Valley High School (grade A), Van Meter Middle School (grade A), Heritage Elementary (grade A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A minus), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)
#14. Windsor Heights, Iowa
YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 1,577
- Population: 6,693
- Median household income: $89,946
- Median home value: $289,500 (81% own)
- Median rent: $840 (19% rent)
- Top public schools: Alan Shepard Elementary School (grade A minus), North Scott Junior High School (grade A minus), Edward White Elementary School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Rivermont Collegiate (grade A+), Alleman High School (grade A minus), Assumption High School (grade A minus)
- Population: 6,693
- Median household income: $89,946
- Median home value: $289,500 (81% own)
- Median rent: $840 (19% rent)
- Top public schools: Alan Shepard Elementary School (grade A minus), North Scott Junior High School (grade A minus), Edward White Elementary School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Rivermont Collegiate (grade A+), Alleman High School (grade A minus), Assumption High School (grade A minus)
#13. Eldridge, Iowa
Ground Picture // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 1,202
- Population: 74,878
- Median household income: $54,879
- Median home value: $256,600 (46% own)
- Median rent: $1,077 (54% rent)
- Top public schools: West Senior High School (grade A+), Lincoln Elementary School (grade A), Liberty High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Scattergood Friends School (grade A), Regina Catholic Education Center (grade A), Hillcrest Academy (grade A minus)
- Population: 74,878
- Median household income: $54,879
- Median home value: $256,600 (46% own)
- Median rent: $1,077 (54% rent)
- Top public schools: West Senior High School (grade A+), Lincoln Elementary School (grade A), Liberty High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Scattergood Friends School (grade A), Regina Catholic Education Center (grade A), Hillcrest Academy (grade A minus)
#12. Iowa City, Iowa
Stuart Monk // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 1,077
- Population: 4,529
- Median household income: $98,991
- Median home value: $234,400 (80% own)
- Median rent: $714 (20% rent)
- Top public schools: Solon Intermediate (grade A minus), Washington Elementary School (grade A minus), Mount Vernon Middle School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Cedar Valley Christian School (grade B minus), Isaac Newton Christian Academy (grade B minus), St. Matthew School (grade unavailable)
- Population: 4,529
- Median household income: $98,991
- Median home value: $234,400 (80% own)
- Median rent: $714 (20% rent)
- Top public schools: Solon Intermediate (grade A minus), Washington Elementary School (grade A minus), Mount Vernon Middle School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Cedar Valley Christian School (grade B minus), Isaac Newton Christian Academy (grade B minus), St. Matthew School (grade unavailable)
#11. Mount Vernon, Iowa
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 1,031
- Population: 23,856
- Median household income: $98,324
- Median home value: $332,000 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,225 (29% rent)
- Top public schools: Prairie Trail Elementary School (grade A), Crocker Elementary School (grade A), Southview Middle School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A minus), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)
- Population: 23,856
- Median household income: $98,324
- Median home value: $332,000 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,225 (29% rent)
- Top public schools: Prairie Trail Elementary School (grade A), Crocker Elementary School (grade A), Southview Middle School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A minus), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)
#10. Johnston, Iowa
Laura Beach // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 1,022
- Population: 68,392
- Median household income: $101,151
- Median home value: $281,700 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,289 (29% rent)
- Top public schools: Prairie Trail Elementary School (grade A), Northeast Elementary School (grade A), Rock Creek Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A minus), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)
- Population: 68,392
- Median household income: $101,151
- Median home value: $281,700 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,289 (29% rent)
- Top public schools: Prairie Trail Elementary School (grade A), Northeast Elementary School (grade A), Rock Creek Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A minus), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)
#9. Ankeny, Iowa
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 900
- Population: 20,393
- Median household income: $100,197
- Median home value: $272,900 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,198 (29% rent)
- Top public schools: West Senior High School (grade A+), Liberty High School (grade A), Christine Grant Elementary School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Scattergood Friends School (grade A), Regina Catholic Education Center (grade A), Isaac Newton Christian Academy (grade B minus)
- Population: 20,393
- Median household income: $100,197
- Median home value: $272,900 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,198 (29% rent)
- Top public schools: West Senior High School (grade A+), Liberty High School (grade A), Christine Grant Elementary School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Scattergood Friends School (grade A), Regina Catholic Education Center (grade A), Isaac Newton Christian Academy (grade B minus)
#8. North Liberty, Iowa
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 810
- Population: 45,591
- Median household income: $111,888
- Median home value: $298,500 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,108 (21% rent)
- Top public schools: Waukee Senior High School (grade A), Valley High School (grade A), Walnut Hills Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A minus), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)
- Population: 45,591
- Median household income: $111,888
- Median home value: $298,500 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,108 (21% rent)
- Top public schools: Waukee Senior High School (grade A), Valley High School (grade A), Walnut Hills Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A minus), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)
#7. Urbandale, Iowa
Robert Kneschke // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 697
- Population: 22,494
- Median household income: $67,691
- Median home value: $271,800 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,022 (46% rent)
- Top public schools: West Senior High School (grade A+), Wickham Elementary School (grade A), Lincoln Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Scattergood Friends School (grade A), Regina Catholic Education Center (grade A), Heritage Christian School (grade unavailable)
- Population: 22,494
- Median household income: $67,691
- Median home value: $271,800 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,022 (46% rent)
- Top public schools: West Senior High School (grade A+), Wickham Elementary School (grade A), Lincoln Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Scattergood Friends School (grade A), Regina Catholic Education Center (grade A), Heritage Christian School (grade unavailable)
#6. Coralville, Iowa
Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 639
- Population: 68,744
- Median household income: $82,345
- Median home value: $266,700 (58% own)
- Median rent: $1,153 (42% rent)
- Top public schools: Waukee Senior High School (grade A), Valley High School (grade A), Van Meter Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A minus), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)
- Population: 68,744
- Median household income: $82,345
- Median home value: $266,700 (58% own)
- Median rent: $1,153 (42% rent)
- Top public schools: Waukee Senior High School (grade A), Valley High School (grade A), Van Meter Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A minus), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)
#5. West Des Moines, Iowa
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 546
- Population: 38,997
- Median household income: $100,570
- Median home value: $273,600 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,060 (24% rent)
- Top public schools: Hopewell Elementary (grade A+), Pleasant View Elementary (grade A+), Pleasant Valley Junior High School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Rivermont Collegiate (grade A+), Alleman High School (grade A minus), Assumption High School (grade A minus)
- Population: 38,997
- Median household income: $100,570
- Median home value: $273,600 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,060 (24% rent)
- Top public schools: Hopewell Elementary (grade A+), Pleasant View Elementary (grade A+), Pleasant Valley Junior High School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Rivermont Collegiate (grade A+), Alleman High School (grade A minus), Assumption High School (grade A minus)
#4. Bettendorf, Iowa
F8 studio // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 483
- Population: 18,576
- Median household income: $124,908
- Median home value: $359,300 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,089 (25% rent)
- Top public schools: Waukee Senior High School (grade A), Valley High School (grade A), Walnut Hills Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A minus), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)
- Population: 18,576
- Median household income: $124,908
- Median home value: $359,300 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,089 (25% rent)
- Top public schools: Waukee Senior High School (grade A), Valley High School (grade A), Walnut Hills Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A minus), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)
#3. Clive, Iowa
FamVeld // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 430
- Population: 25,045
- Median household income: $106,846
- Median home value: $305,300 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,209 (29% rent)
- Top public schools: Waukee Senior High School (grade A), Valley High School (grade A), Walnut Hills Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A minus), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)
- Population: 25,045
- Median household income: $106,846
- Median home value: $305,300 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,209 (29% rent)
- Top public schools: Waukee Senior High School (grade A), Valley High School (grade A), Walnut Hills Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A minus), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)
#2. Waukee, Iowa
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock
- Overall Rank: 359
- Population: 1,353
- Median household income: $102,838
- Median home value: $379,000 (57% own)
- Median rent: $1,455 (43% rent)
- Top public schools: West Senior High School (grade A+), Liberty High School (grade A), Christine Grant Elementary School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Scattergood Friends School (grade A), Regina Catholic Education Center (grade A), Heritage Christian School (grade unavailable)
- Population: 1,353
- Median household income: $102,838
- Median home value: $379,000 (57% own)
- Median rent: $1,455 (43% rent)
- Top public schools: West Senior High School (grade A+), Liberty High School (grade A), Christine Grant Elementary School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Scattergood Friends School (grade A), Regina Catholic Education Center (grade A), Heritage Christian School (grade unavailable)
This story features data reporting and writing by Elena Cox and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 40 states.
#1. University Heights, Iowa
Canetti // Shutterstock