IOWA
Welcome to Iowa, the Hawkeye State!
Iowa consistently ranks among the most affordable in the nation, making homeownership accessible to a wide range of buyers. The state also boasts excellent public schools, a strong job market, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, and education. Whether you’re looking for a quiet small town, a vibrant college community, or a growing city like Des Moines, Iowa has something for you.
Top CHIPs for Iowa
The Best Community Home Investment Programs for you.
Iowa is a great option for first-time home buyers and growing families. Thanks to Community Home Investment Programs (CHIPs), owning a home in Iowa is even more within reach. Discover what you may qualify for and start building your future today.
Iowa Finance Authority FirstHome Down Payment and Closing Costs Loan
Iowa homebuyers, this is your chance to get up to 5% toward your dream home! The Iowa Finance Authority FirstHome Program provides down payment and closing cost assistance, with repayment deferred until you sell, refinance, or pay off your mortgage.
City of Waterloo Down Payment Assistance Program
Make your move with the City of Waterloo Down Payment Assistance Program. Designed for first-time buyers, this program offers financial support to cover your down payment.
Iowa Finance Authority Military Homeownership Assistance Program
Homeownership made possible for Iowa’s service members and veterans! The Military Homeownership Assistance Program offers a $5,000 grant toward down payment and closing costs.
City of Sioux City MyPad Down Payment Assistance Program
Settle into homeownership in Sioux City with the MyPad Program! This $14,999 assistance helps cover down payment and closing costs, and the loan is forgiven at 20% per year.
Iowa Finance Authority FirstHome Down Payment and Closing Costs Grant
The Iowa Finance Authority FirstHome Down Payment and Closing Costs Grant is here to help you own your first home! Receive a $2,500 grant to cover your down payment and closing costs.
Iowa Finance Authority FirstHome Down Payment and Closing Costs Loan
Iowa homebuyers, this is your chance to get up to 5% toward your dream home! The Iowa Finance Authority FirstHome Program provides down payment and closing cost assistance, with repayment deferred until you sell, refinance, or pay off your mortgage.
City of Waterloo Down Payment Assistance Program
Make your move with the City of Waterloo Down Payment Assistance Program. Designed for first-time buyers, this program offers financial support to cover your down payment.
Iowa Finance Authority Military Homeownership Assistance Program
Homeownership made possible for Iowa’s service members and veterans! The Military Homeownership Assistance Program offers a $5,000 grant toward down payment and closing costs.
City of Sioux City MyPad Down Payment Assistance Program
Settle into homeownership in Sioux City with the MyPad Program! This $14,999 assistance helps cover down payment and closing costs, and the loan is forgiven at 20% per year.
Iowa Finance Authority FirstHome Down Payment and Closing Costs Grant
The Iowa Finance Authority FirstHome Down Payment and Closing Costs Grant is here to help you own your first home! Receive a $2,500 grant to cover your down payment and closing costs.
👥
Total Population
3,190,369
🗺️
Land area in square miles
55,853.7 square miles
📊
Rank of State by size
23
📍
State Capital
Des Moines
💰
Median household income
$71,433
💵
Median home sale price
$437,430
🏘️
Total Housing Units
1,337,243
👥
Total Population
3,190,369
🗺️
Land area in square miles
55,853.7 square miles
📊
Rank of State by size
23
📍
State Capital
Des Moines
💰
Median household income
$71,433
💵
Median home sale price
$437,430
🏘️
Total Housing Units
1,337,243
Census Data Snapshot for Iowa
Crucial statistics and data about Iowa
If you’re considering buying a home and moving to Iowa, a snapshot of the state’s census data can help you better understand the area.
Climate Overview
What’s the weather like in Iowa?
Iowa experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers, cold winters, and four distinct seasons, offering a classic Midwestern weather pattern that appeals to those who enjoy seasonal changes.
Major Industries and Employment
What’s driving the economy of Iowa?
Iowa’s economy is driven by a diversified mix of strong industries, making it a resilient powerhouse in the Midwest.
Largest Employer in State
- Employer: University of Iowa
- Industry: Public University/Higher Education
- Employer Headcount: 24,598
Total Employer Establishments
🏢82,997
As of June 2025
Employment Type
Employee of private company workers
Self-employed in own incorporated business workers
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers
Local, state, and federal government workers
Self-employed in own not incorporated business workers and unpaid family workers
Occupation
Management, business, science and arts occupations
Sales and office occupations
Service occupations
Production, transportation, and material moving occupations
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations
As of June 2025
Home Affordability
Learn if you can afford a home in Iowa.
When it comes to places to live, Iowa offers a wide range of options. Find out what your options are if you want to buy a house.
Cities By Population
What are the biggest cities in Iowa in terms of population?
Learn about the biggest cities that you can find in the state of Iowa.
City
Rank
Population as of 2025
1
208,084
2
134,758
3
99,489
4
85,694
5
78,412
6
76,186
7
74,395
8
66,160
9
65,152
10
62,138
School Rankings and
District Information
What are the best schools in Iowa?
Iowa is home to several top-performing public schools, including standouts like Iowa City West, Gilbert, and Pella High Schools—which rank in the top 10% nationally for academic achievement, college readiness, and graduation rates.
Homes for Sale
Let’s find your dream home in Iowa.
More than just a little curious about Iowa now? Time to check out the housing market there.
State Fun Facts
Learn some fun trivia about the state of Iowa.
Here are a few fun facts about Iowa that you can share with your friends.
Famous People from Iowa
Who are the well-known personalities from Iowa?
You’ll never guess which celebrities actually have roots in Iowa.
Agency
Website
Iowa Finance Authority (IFA)
Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA)
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)
Iowa Department on Aging
Government Resources
Find more information about housing and real estate in Iowa.
Here is a list of some useful resources that you can use when researching homes, schools, and other details about Iowa.
Agency
Website
Iowa Finance Authority (IFA)
Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA)
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)
Iowa Department on Aging
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