Iowa is a state that offers a high quality of life at an affordable cost, making it an attractive destination for students and young professionals. If you're looking to settle down in Iowa, you'll be pleased to know that the state has several safe cities with low crime rates.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the top 8 safest places to live in Iowa. We'll also provide information on the cost of living, housing, employment opportunities, and proximity to college campuses.

Top 8 Safest Places to Live in Iowa 2023

  • Eldridge
  • Johnston
  • Waukee
  • Clive
  • Urbandale
  • Ankeny
  • Pleasant Hill
  • Norwalk

Eldridge

safest places to live in Iowa

Eldridge is a small town located in Scott County, Iowa, with a population of just over 6,795 people. It has a crime rate of 80 per 100,000 people, which is 87% lower than the national average.

Here are some key points about Eldridge:

  • There are no colleges in Eldridge itself, but nearby colleges include St. Ambrose University and Augustana College in Davenport.
  • Students can take advantage of the resources at these colleges, such as St. Ambrose's library and Augustana's art museum.
  • The town is home to several parks, including the Scott County Park, which offers camping, fishing, and hiking opportunities.
  • For shopping and dining, residents can head to the nearby NorthPark Mall in Davenport.
  • The median home price in Eldridge is around $230,000.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Eldridge is approximately $800.

Johnston

safest places to live in Iowa

Johnston is a city in Polk County, Iowa, with a population of around 24,396 people. It has a crime rate of 90 per 100,000 people, which is 83% lower than the national average.

Here are some key points about Johnston:

  • The city is home to several parks and recreational facilities, including the Johnston Commons and the Terra Park.
  • For shopping and dining, residents can visit the Merle Hay Mall or the Johnston Town Center.
  • There are several schools in the Johnston area, including Johnston High School and Summit Middle School.
  • The median home price in Johnston is around $300,000.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Johnston is approximately $1,100.

Waukee

Waukee is a city in Dallas County, Iowa, with a population of around 31,284 people. It has a crime rate of 57 per 100,000 people, which is 91% lower than the national average.

Here are some key points about Waukee:

  • The city offers several parks and trails, including the Waukee Railroad Pergola and the Raccoon River Valley Trail.
  • For shopping and dining, residents can visit the Waukee Downtown Triangle or the West Des Moines Jordan Creek Town Center.
  • Waukee is home to several schools, including Waukee High School and Waukee South Middle School.
  • The median home price in Waukee is around $320,000.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Waukee is approximately $1,100.

Clive

safest places to live in Iowa

Clive is a city in Polk County, Iowa, with a population of around 19,155 people. It has a crime rate of 104 per 100,000 people, which is 75% lower than the national average.

Here are some key points about Clive:

  • The city offers several parks and trails, including the Clive Greenbelt Trail and the Campbell Park.
  • For shopping and dining, residents can visit the Clive Aquatic Center or the Valley West Mall.
  • Clive is home to several schools, including Clive Learning Academy and Indian Hills Junior High School.
  • The median home price in Clive is around $290,000.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Clive is approximately $1,100.

Urbandale

Urbandale is a city in Polk County, Iowa, with a population of around 46,648 people. It has a crime rate of 106 per 100,000 people, which is 75% lower than the national average.

Here are some key points about Urbandale:

  • The city offers several parks and trails, including the Walker Johnston Park and the Walnut Creek Trail.
  • For shopping and dining, residents can visit the Merle Hay Mall or the Urbandale Town Center.
  • Urbandale is home to several schools, including Urbandale High School and Urbandale Middle School.
  • The median home price in Urbandale is around $270,000.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Urbandale is approximately $1,000.

Ankeny

safest places to live in Iowa

Ankeny is a city in Polk County, Iowa, with a population of around 74,401 people. It has a crime rate of 107 per 100,000 people, which is 75% lower than the national average.

Here are some key points about Ankeny:

  • The city offers several parks and trails, including the High Trestle Trail and the Hawkeye Trail.
  • For shopping and dining, residents can visit the Ankeny Prairie Trail or the Ankeny Market and Pavilion.
  • Ankeny is home to several schools, including Ankeny High School and Northview Middle School.
  • The median home price in Ankeny is around $280,000.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Ankeny is approximately $1,100.

Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill is a city in Polk County, Iowa, with a population of around 10,000 people. It has a crime rate of 130 per 100,000 people, which is 67% lower than the national average.

Here are some key points about Pleasant Hill:

  • The city offers several parks and trails, including the Copper Creek Lake Park and the Four Mile Creek Greenway Trail.
  • For shopping and dining, residents can visit the Pleasant Hill Town Center or the Copper Creek Plaza.
  • Pleasant Hill is home to several schools, including Southeast Polk High School and Pleasant Hill Elementary School.
  • The median home price in Pleasant Hill is around $250,000.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Pleasant Hill is approximately $900.

Norwalk

safest places to live in Iowa

Norwalk is a city in Warren County, Iowa, with a population of around 15,024 people. It has a crime rate of 136 per 100,000 people, which is 65% lower than the national average.

Here are some key points about Norwalk:

  • The city offers several parks and trails, including the Summerset Trail and the Norwalk Easter Lake Trail.
  • For shopping and dining, residents can visit the Norwalk Town Center or the nearby Southridge Mall.
  • Norwalk is home to several schools, including Norwalk High School and Norwalk Middle School.
  • The median home price in Norwalk is around $255,000.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Norwalk is approximately $900.