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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.

• 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
  
  
• Crime : see Iowa Crime Rate 1960 - 2005
  
  
• 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
  
  
• 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.

More about relocating to Iowa around the Web:

Moving to Iowa - The official state site with information on car registration, obtaining a driver's license, state taxes, weather facts.

Iowa City Data Forums - Very active discussions on relocation, houses & real estate, jobs, schools and related tips & advice for moving to Dubuque, Des Moines, Sioux City and other towns & cities across the state.

Des Moines Free Relocation Packet - Downloadable in pdf format with information on living and working in the Des Moines metro area.

Dubuque Chamber of Commerce - Relocation - Guide to moving or relocating a business with information on city demographics, cost of living & weather facts, maps and related resources.

For People Moving to Iowa City - Web portal courtesy of the University of Iowa with links to newcomers' guides, information on houses of worship and child care services,and links to transportation services, city parks & recreational areas.

Iowa Real Estate, Apartments & Job Classifieds:

• Des Moines : Register
• Cedar Rapids : Gazette
• Davenport : Quad City Times
• Sioux City : Journal

also see -> Iowa Beaches | Iowa Eviction Laws

Iowa Fall Foliage | Iowa Taxes | Iowa Tourist Attractions

Iowa Wine Tours | Christmas in Iowa