MAIN Home Life House Moving Iowa

With large tracts of farmland amid gently rolling plains, Iowa is best known for its sweeping corn fields.

Despite its idyllic topography, subterranean Iowa has the highest rates of natural radon concentrations in the country, shown to increase the risk of lung cancer in communities exposed to the odorless, colorless gas. As a result, many cities have passed ordinances requiring radon resistance construction in all new homes.

Iowa quality-of-life statistics

Demographics : (Iowa Census Data)
Major cities: Des Moines (capital), Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City
Population : 2,926,324
White : 94.9%
Black, African American : 2.3%
Hispanic : 3.7%
High school graduates : 86.1%
Bachelor's degree or higher : 21.2%
Average household income: $42,865

Cost of Living: Iowa's cost of living is rated 79.9 or considerably below the U.S. average.

Property Taxes : Iowa Tax Climate - Homeowners pay less than half of the property tax collected each year in Iowa (farmers pay 21%; businesses and industry, a total of 23%).

Housing & Real Estate Overview : also see Zillow - Iowa Real Estate
Home ownership rate : 72.3%
Average home price: $132,300
Average travel time to work : 18 minutes

Personal Income Taxes : Iowa imposes personal income tax in nine tax brackets ranging from 0.36 percent to a steep  8.98 percent. Iowans must file Iowa Individual Income Tax Form IA 1040 each year by April 15.

Schools : see Iowa Department of Education

Weather : Like most of the Midwest, Iowa winters can bring lots of snow and wind, while summers can also be extreme with temperatures into the 90's F with high humidity during the day. Spring is the most dangerous weather season, bringing with it occasionally severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Crime : see Iowa Crime Rate 1960 - 2005

also see -> Iowa Taxes | Iowa Eviction Laws | Iowa Tourism