Best places to raise a family in Iowa
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April 20, 2021
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Best places to raise a family in Iowa
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Iowa using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
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#25. Iowa City
- Population: 74,950
- Median home value: $215,100 (48% own)
- Median rent: $967 (52% rent)
- Median household income: $49,075
- Top public schools: West Senior High School (A+), Iowa City High School (A), Lincoln Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Regina Catholic Education Center (A-), Willowwind School (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Iowa City (unavailable)
- Pictured: 300 S Clinton St Unit 706, Iowa City ($1.0 million, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $215,100 (48% own)
- Median rent: $967 (52% rent)
- Median household income: $49,075
- Top public schools: West Senior High School (A+), Iowa City High School (A), Lincoln Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Regina Catholic Education Center (A-), Willowwind School (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Iowa City (unavailable)
- Pictured: 300 S Clinton St Unit 706, Iowa City ($1.0 million, 2 bedrooms)
#24. Waverly
- Population: 10,094
- Median home value: $173,700 (78% own)
- Median rent: $715 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $64,949
- Top public schools: Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School (A-), Margaretta Carey Elementary School (B+), West Cedar Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: St. Paul's Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 306 NE 12th St, Waverly ($439,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $173,700 (78% own)
- Median rent: $715 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $64,949
- Top public schools: Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School (A-), Margaretta Carey Elementary School (B+), West Cedar Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: St. Paul's Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 306 NE 12th St, Waverly ($439,000, 5 bedrooms)
#23. Grimes
- Population: 12,839
- Median home value: $225,800 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,002 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $81,950
- Top public schools: Waukee Middle School (A), Johnston Middle School (A), Henry A. Wallace Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 691 NE Bridge Creek Ct, Grimes ($797,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $225,800 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,002 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $81,950
- Top public schools: Waukee Middle School (A), Johnston Middle School (A), Henry A. Wallace Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 691 NE Bridge Creek Ct, Grimes ($797,000, 5 bedrooms)
#22. Robins
- Population: 3,457
- Median home value: $295,200 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,545 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $131,078
- Top public schools: Indian Creek Elementary School (A), Westfield Elementary School (A), Oak Ridge School (A)
- Pictured: 1720 Maple St, Robins ($540,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $295,200 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,545 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $131,078
- Top public schools: Indian Creek Elementary School (A), Westfield Elementary School (A), Oak Ridge School (A)
- Pictured: 1720 Maple St, Robins ($540,000, 5 bedrooms)
#21. Coralville
- Population: 21,103
- Median home value: $227,700 (51% own)
- Median rent: $896 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $60,321
- Top public schools: West Senior High School (A+), Iowa City High School (A), Lincoln Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Montessori School of Iowa City (unavailable)
- Pictured: 190 Auburn East Ln, Coralville ($850,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $227,700 (51% own)
- Median rent: $896 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $60,321
- Top public schools: West Senior High School (A+), Iowa City High School (A), Lincoln Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Montessori School of Iowa City (unavailable)
- Pictured: 190 Auburn East Ln, Coralville ($850,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#20. Decorah
- Population: 7,701
- Median home value: $189,700 (71% own)
- Median rent: $634 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $62,336
- Top public schools: Decorah High School (A), Decorah Middle School (A), Carrie Lee Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: St. Benedict School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1674 Viking Hills Rd, Decorah ($875,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $189,700 (71% own)
- Median rent: $634 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $62,336
- Top public schools: Decorah High School (A), Decorah Middle School (A), Carrie Lee Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: St. Benedict School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1674 Viking Hills Rd, Decorah ($875,000, 4 bedrooms)
#19. Alton
- Population: 1,336
- Median home value: $134,800 (86% own)
- Median rent: $792 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $70,882
- Top public schools: Orange City Elementary School (A), Hospers Elementary School (A), MOC-Floyd Valley Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 806 Park St, Alton ($179,500, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $134,800 (86% own)
- Median rent: $792 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $70,882
- Top public schools: Orange City Elementary School (A), Hospers Elementary School (A), MOC-Floyd Valley Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 806 Park St, Alton ($179,500, 5 bedrooms)
#18. Polk City
- Population: 4,625
- Median home value: $249,000 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,152 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $104,750
- Top public schools: Ankeny Centennial High School (A), Prairie Ridge Middle School (A), Rock Creek Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 1330 Timber Valley Dr, Polk City ($777,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $249,000 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,152 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $104,750
- Top public schools: Ankeny Centennial High School (A), Prairie Ridge Middle School (A), Rock Creek Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 1330 Timber Valley Dr, Polk City ($777,000, 5 bedrooms)
#17. Ames
- Population: 66,023
- Median home value: $205,900 (41% own)
- Median rent: $930 (59% rent)
- Median household income: $48,105
- Top public schools: Ames High School (A+), Gilbert Intermediate School (A), Gilbert High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Cecilia Elementary School (unavailable), Ames Christian School (unavailable), Eagle's Left Early Learning Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 407 Hickory Dr, Ames ($949,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $205,900 (41% own)
- Median rent: $930 (59% rent)
- Median household income: $48,105
- Top public schools: Ames High School (A+), Gilbert Intermediate School (A), Gilbert High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Cecilia Elementary School (unavailable), Ames Christian School (unavailable), Eagle's Left Early Learning Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 407 Hickory Dr, Ames ($949,900, 5 bedrooms)
#16. Pella
- Population: 10,231
- Median home value: $187,400 (62% own)
- Median rent: $860 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $68,963
- Top public schools: Pella Middle School (A), Lincoln Elementary School (A), Jefferson Intermediate School (A-)
- Top private schools: Pella Christian High School (A-), Pella Christian School (unavailable), Peoria Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 409 Main St Unit 2E, Pella ($560,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $187,400 (62% own)
- Median rent: $860 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $68,963
- Top public schools: Pella Middle School (A), Lincoln Elementary School (A), Jefferson Intermediate School (A-)
- Top private schools: Pella Christian High School (A-), Pella Christian School (unavailable), Peoria Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 409 Main St Unit 2E, Pella ($560,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#15. Sioux Center
- Population: 7,534
- Median home value: $208,900 (73% own)
- Median rent: $815 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $74,313
- Top public schools: Sioux Center High School (A-), Kinsey Elementary School (B+), Sioux Center Middle School (B)
- Top private schools: Sioux Center Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 433 6th St SE, Sioux Center ($305,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $208,900 (73% own)
- Median rent: $815 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $74,313
- Top public schools: Sioux Center High School (A-), Kinsey Elementary School (B+), Sioux Center Middle School (B)
- Top private schools: Sioux Center Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 433 6th St SE, Sioux Center ($305,000, 3 bedrooms)
#14. Huxley
- Population: 3,769
- Median home value: $197,700 (82% own)
- Median rent: $771 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $104,457
- Top public schools: Ballard East Elementary School (B+), Ballard High School (B+), Ballard Middle School (B)
- Pictured: 309 Northview Ln, Huxley ($455,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $197,700 (82% own)
- Median rent: $771 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $104,457
- Top public schools: Ballard East Elementary School (B+), Ballard High School (B+), Ballard Middle School (B)
- Pictured: 309 Northview Ln, Huxley ($455,000, 5 bedrooms)
#13. Orange City
- Population: 6,127
- Median home value: $171,300 (78% own)
- Median rent: $679 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $72,857
- Top public schools: Orange City Elementary School (A), Hospers Elementary School (A), MOC-Floyd Valley Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Unity Christian High School (B+)
- Pictured: 101 Frankfort Ave SE, Orange City ($299,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $171,300 (78% own)
- Median rent: $679 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $72,857
- Top public schools: Orange City Elementary School (A), Hospers Elementary School (A), MOC-Floyd Valley Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Unity Christian High School (B+)
- Pictured: 101 Frankfort Ave SE, Orange City ($299,000, 4 bedrooms)
#12. North Liberty
- Population: 18,829
- Median home value: $220,800 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,110 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $83,949
- Top public schools: West Senior High School (A+), James Van Allen Elementary School (A-), North Central Junior High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Heritage Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1165 Ogden Ln, North Liberty ($615,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $220,800 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,110 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $83,949
- Top public schools: West Senior High School (A+), James Van Allen Elementary School (A-), North Central Junior High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Heritage Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1165 Ogden Ln, North Liberty ($615,000, 5 bedrooms)
#11. Johnston
- Population: 21,406
- Median home value: $268,300 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,146 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $96,948
- Top public schools: Prairie Trail Elementary School (A), Johnston Middle School (A), Henry A. Wallace Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Cadence Academy Preschool - Johnston (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6606 Brook Ridge Ct, Johnston ($1.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $268,300 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,146 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $96,948
- Top public schools: Prairie Trail Elementary School (A), Johnston Middle School (A), Henry A. Wallace Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Cadence Academy Preschool - Johnston (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6606 Brook Ridge Ct, Johnston ($1.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#10. West Des Moines
- Population: 65,606
- Median home value: $218,500 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,017 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $76,368
- Top public schools: Valley High School (A), Waukee Senior High School (A), Brookview Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (A), St. Francis of Assisi School (unavailable), Sacred Heart School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3700 Fuller Rd, West Des Moines ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $218,500 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,017 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $76,368
- Top public schools: Valley High School (A), Waukee Senior High School (A), Brookview Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (A), St. Francis of Assisi School (unavailable), Sacred Heart School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3700 Fuller Rd, West Des Moines ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
#9. Urbandale
- Population: 43,441
- Median home value: $237,500 (78% own)
- Median rent: $935 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $90,858
- Top public schools: Eason Elementary School (A), Waukee Middle School (A), Johnston Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Des Moines Christian School (A-), St. Pius X. School (unavailable), Gospel Assembly Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3705 134th St, Urbandale ($995,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $237,500 (78% own)
- Median rent: $935 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $90,858
- Top public schools: Eason Elementary School (A), Waukee Middle School (A), Johnston Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Des Moines Christian School (A-), St. Pius X. School (unavailable), Gospel Assembly Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3705 134th St, Urbandale ($995,000, 4 bedrooms)
#8. Ankeny
- Population: 61,938
- Median home value: $220,100 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,073 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $86,486
- Top public schools: Ankeny Centennial High School (A), Prairie Trail Elementary School (A), Prairie Ridge Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Ankeny Christian Academy (B+), St. Luke The Evangelist Catholic School (unavailable), Ankeny KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2713 NE Seneca Dr, Ankeny ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $220,100 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,073 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $86,486
- Top public schools: Ankeny Centennial High School (A), Prairie Trail Elementary School (A), Prairie Ridge Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Ankeny Christian Academy (B+), St. Luke The Evangelist Catholic School (unavailable), Ankeny KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2713 NE Seneca Dr, Ankeny ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
#7. Gilbert
- Population: 1,013
- Median home value: $206,400 (79% own)
- Median rent: $710 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $88,333
- Top public schools: Gilbert Intermediate School (A), Gilbert High School (A), Gilbert Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 317 Cedar Dr, Gilbert ($367,250, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $206,400 (79% own)
- Median rent: $710 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $88,333
- Top public schools: Gilbert Intermediate School (A), Gilbert High School (A), Gilbert Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 317 Cedar Dr, Gilbert ($367,250, 3 bedrooms)
#6. Clive
- Population: 17,167
- Median home value: $264,300 (76% own)
- Median rent: $984 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $104,839
- Top public schools: Eason Elementary School (A), Waukee Middle School (A), Valley High School (A)
- Top private schools: Cadence Academy Preschool - Clive (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13175 Woodlands Pkwy, Clive ($850,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $264,300 (76% own)
- Median rent: $984 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $104,839
- Top public schools: Eason Elementary School (A), Waukee Middle School (A), Valley High School (A)
- Top private schools: Cadence Academy Preschool - Clive (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13175 Woodlands Pkwy, Clive ($850,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#5. Waukee
- Population: 20,785
- Median home value: $238,900 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,130 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $94,580
- Top public schools: Grant Ragan Elementary School (A), Eason Elementary School (A), Waukee Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School - Waukee (unavailable)
- Pictured: 50 Ford Ln, Waukee ($1.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $238,900 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,130 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $94,580
- Top public schools: Grant Ragan Elementary School (A), Eason Elementary School (A), Waukee Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School - Waukee (unavailable)
- Pictured: 50 Ford Ln, Waukee ($1.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
#4. Bettendorf
- Population: 35,919
- Median home value: $225,300 (75% own)
- Median rent: $914 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $82,153
- Top public schools: Hopewell Elementary (A+), Pleasant View Elementary (A+), Pleasant Valley Junior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Rivermont Collegiate (A+), Morning Star Academy (B+), Lourdes Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4877 Woodland Dr, Bettendorf ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $225,300 (75% own)
- Median rent: $914 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $82,153
- Top public schools: Hopewell Elementary (A+), Pleasant View Elementary (A+), Pleasant Valley Junior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Rivermont Collegiate (A+), Morning Star Academy (B+), Lourdes Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4877 Woodland Dr, Bettendorf ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
#3. Mount Vernon
- Population: 4,451
- Median home value: $203,400 (69% own)
- Median rent: $757 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $71,552
- Top public schools: Mount Vernon High School (A-), Washington Elementary School (A-), Mount Vernon Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 735 16th Ct SW, Mount Vernon ($550,436, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $203,400 (69% own)
- Median rent: $757 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $71,552
- Top public schools: Mount Vernon High School (A-), Washington Elementary School (A-), Mount Vernon Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 735 16th Ct SW, Mount Vernon ($550,436, 5 bedrooms)
#2. University Heights
- Population: 1,159
- Median home value: $295,700 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,500 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $68,533
- Top public schools: West Senior High School (A+), Norman Borlaug Elementary School (B+), Ernest Horn Elementary School (B)
- Pictured: 103 Birkdale Ct, Iowa City ($595,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $295,700 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,500 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $68,533
- Top public schools: West Senior High School (A+), Norman Borlaug Elementary School (B+), Ernest Horn Elementary School (B)
- Pictured: 103 Birkdale Ct, Iowa City ($595,000, 5 bedrooms)
#1. Le Claire
- Population: 3,971
- Median home value: $224,800 (80% own)
- Median rent: $858 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $86,250
- Top public schools: Pleasant Valley Junior High School (A+), Pleasant Valley High School (A+), Bridgeview Elementary (A+)
- Pictured: 3 Cobblestone Ln, Le Claire ($489,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $224,800 (80% own)
- Median rent: $858 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $86,250
- Top public schools: Pleasant Valley Junior High School (A+), Pleasant Valley High School (A+), Bridgeview Elementary (A+)
- Pictured: 3 Cobblestone Ln, Le Claire ($489,900, 5 bedrooms)
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