Cost of Living in Iowa Falls, IA
Population 5,062 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Iowa Falls is a smaller Iowa community of around 5000 residents, where median household incomes of $53,051 and housing costs ($106,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Iowa Falls is about 70 miles north of Des Moines, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 42% lower than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Iowa Falls
The median home value in Iowa Falls is $106,300 — 65% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $898/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,051/year is 29% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. The climate averages highs of 58.2°F and lows of 37.2°F. Overall, Iowa Falls has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.
Iowa Falls has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 28 | 32 | 46 | 60 | 71 | 81 | 83 | 81 | 75 | 62 | 46 | 33 |
| Low °F | 10 | 14 | 26 | 37 | 49 | 59 | 62 | 60 | 51 | 39 | 26 | 16 |
| Precip" | 0.77 | 0.51 | 1.64 | 3.69 | 4.88 | 5.32 | 3.67 | 3.88 | 3.20 | 2.45 | 1.74 | 1.01 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Iowa Falls, IA?
Iowa Falls has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.
What is average rent in Iowa Falls, IA?
The median gross rent in Iowa Falls is $898 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Iowa Falls?
The median home value in Iowa Falls is $106,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Iowa Falls?
The median household income in Iowa Falls is $53,051 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Iowa Falls, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Iowa Falls is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Iowa Falls, IA affordable?
Yes, Iowa Falls is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Iowa Falls?
Iowa Falls has average high temperatures of 58.2°F and average lows of 37.2°F. Annual precipitation is 32.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Iowa Falls at a Glance
- Population
- 5,062
- Median Income
- $53,051
- Home Value
- $106,300
- Median Rent
- $898/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs