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Iowa City, IA
Iowa City · Johnson County · IA 52240
Updated October 31, 2026 · Would You Live There?
Think twice
Verdict
$242K
Median Price
41/100
Walk Score
7.3/10
Schools
15 min
to University of Iowa campus
Score Breakdown
CAffordability
63/100
D+Safety
55/100
BSchools
73/100
D+Quietness
50/100
ACommute
100/100
DWalkability
41/100
WYLT Score64/100
Our Take
Iowa City has decent schools and plenty of green space, but the lack of walkability, heavy car dependence, and limited local job opportunities make it a less ideal long‑term move unless you’re a student or already tied to the university. It’s affordable enough for families, but you’ll need to drive for most errands and accept a relatively noisy, car‑centric lifestyle.
B.
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The Good
- ✓Top‑rated elementary schools in the area
- ✓Affordable median home price compared to nearby college towns
- ✓Abundant parks and outdoor recreation
- ✓Strong sense of community and student events
Real Talk
- !Dependence on a car for errands; walk score is 0
- !Limited public transit options; 40 score means some buses but not robust
- !Noise and traffic around campus and events can be disruptive
- !Job market largely tied to the university; few non‑academic opportunities
- $Higher parking fees during sporting events and festivals
- $Potential for higher utility costs due to seasonal weather
- $Property taxes can be higher than state average
Best For
StudentsFamilies with young childrenRemote workers needing decent internetRetirees looking for affordable cost of living
Risk Snapshot
Flood riskLow
Violent crimeModerate
Property crimeModerate
Air qualityGood
Price volatilityModerate
Crime & Safety
Iowa City, IA
D+
Safety grade
Safety score55 / 100
High riskVery safe
⚠️Violent Crime
Moderate3.9incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (3.7)11+
5% higher than the national average
🔒Property Crime
Moderate19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (19.5)59+
2% higher than the national average
Verify with real-time data
City-Data stats →From Residents
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