Best counties to raise a family in Iowa
Written by:
March 5, 2021
realtor.com
Best counties to raise a family in Iowa
Known in other parts of the world as shires, provinces, or territories, the United States’ counties (also known in certain states as boroughs or parishes) date back to the 1600s, when settlers first came to find freedom from British rule. Today, those counties remain, with the 50 states divided into several, each with its own unique makeup.
For people looking to find a home to raise a family in, choosing a county is an important decision. Most families place affordable homes, safe neighborhoods, a quality school system, and family-friendly activities at the top of their wishlists.
Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to raise a family in Iowa using data from Niche. Niche ranks counties based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, healthcare, recreation and weather. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
The list features counties that boast some of the top schools and fun, family-friendly activities for every season. Keep reading to explore the best counties to raise a family. Maybe you’ll find one that suits your brood.
1 / 25
realtor.com
#25. Clinton County
- Population: 46,909
- Median home value: $118,100 (73% own)
- Median rent: $683 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $51,688
- Top public schools: Delwood Elementary School (A), Northeast Elementary School (A-), Central Dewitt Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: Prince of Peace Catholic School (B)
- Top places to live: De Witt (B+), Clinton (B-), Camanche (B-)
- Pictured: 4159 Highway 136, Clinton ($24,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $118,100 (73% own)
- Median rent: $683 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $51,688
- Top public schools: Delwood Elementary School (A), Northeast Elementary School (A-), Central Dewitt Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: Prince of Peace Catholic School (B)
- Top places to live: De Witt (B+), Clinton (B-), Camanche (B-)
- Pictured: 4159 Highway 136, Clinton ($24,900, 3 bedrooms)
2 / 25
realtor.com
#24. Winnebago County
- Population: 10,534
- Median home value: $94,800 (76% own)
- Median rent: $620 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $49,870
- Top public schools: Forest City Middle School (B+), Forest City High School (B+), Lake Mills Senior High School (B)
- Top private schools: Forest City Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Lake Mills (B+), Center Township (B+), Forest Township (B+)
- Pictured: 401 S Lincoln St, Lake Mills ($159,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $94,800 (76% own)
- Median rent: $620 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $49,870
- Top public schools: Forest City Middle School (B+), Forest City High School (B+), Lake Mills Senior High School (B)
- Top private schools: Forest City Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Lake Mills (B+), Center Township (B+), Forest Township (B+)
- Pictured: 401 S Lincoln St, Lake Mills ($159,900, 3 bedrooms)
3 / 25
realtor.com
#23. Dickinson County
- Population: 17,127
- Median home value: $194,300 (79% own)
- Median rent: $844 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $59,969
- Top public schools: Harris-Lake Park Elementary School (B+), Spirit Lake Middle School (B+), Spirit Lake High School (B+)
- Top places to live: Spirit Lake (A-), Milford (B), Arnolds Park (B-)
- Pictured: 2230 and 2234 165th St, Spirit Lake ($2.2 million, 1 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $194,300 (79% own)
- Median rent: $844 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $59,969
- Top public schools: Harris-Lake Park Elementary School (B+), Spirit Lake Middle School (B+), Spirit Lake High School (B+)
- Top places to live: Spirit Lake (A-), Milford (B), Arnolds Park (B-)
- Pictured: 2230 and 2234 165th St, Spirit Lake ($2.2 million, 1 bedrooms)
4 / 25
realtor.com
#22. Crawford County
- Population: 17,034
- Median home value: $93,400 (69% own)
- Median rent: $631 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $55,755
- Top public schools: Schleswig Elementary School (B+), Charter Oak-Ute Elementary School (B+), Ar-We-VA Elementary School (B)
- Top private schools: Zion Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Denison (B+), Schleswig (B), West Side Township (B)
- Pictured: 1811 Brummer Dr, Denison ($399,500, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $93,400 (69% own)
- Median rent: $631 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $55,755
- Top public schools: Schleswig Elementary School (B+), Charter Oak-Ute Elementary School (B+), Ar-We-VA Elementary School (B)
- Top private schools: Zion Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Denison (B+), Schleswig (B), West Side Township (B)
- Pictured: 1811 Brummer Dr, Denison ($399,500, 5 bedrooms)
5 / 25
realtor.com
#21. Grundy County
- Population: 12,299
- Median home value: $130,200 (82% own)
- Median rent: $633 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $68,038
- Top public schools: Grundy Center Elementary School (A-), Grundy Center Middle School (B+), Dike Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Timothy Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Grant Township (A-), Felix Township (A-), Dike (A-)
- Pictured: 16311 Bluegrass Rd, Ottumwa ($60,000, None bedrooms)
- Median home value: $130,200 (82% own)
- Median rent: $633 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $68,038
- Top public schools: Grundy Center Elementary School (A-), Grundy Center Middle School (B+), Dike Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Timothy Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Grant Township (A-), Felix Township (A-), Dike (A-)
- Pictured: 16311 Bluegrass Rd, Ottumwa ($60,000, None bedrooms)
6 / 25
realtor.com
#20. Hamilton County
- Population: 14,997
- Median home value: $106,100 (72% own)
- Median rent: $709 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $60,910
- Top public schools: Northeast Hamilton Elementary School (A-), South Hamilton Elementary School (B+), Stratford Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: St. Thomas Aquinas School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Webster City (B+), Webster Township (B+), Scott Township (B+)
- Pictured: 2213 N Terrace Dr, Webster City ($314,500, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $106,100 (72% own)
- Median rent: $709 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $60,910
- Top public schools: Northeast Hamilton Elementary School (A-), South Hamilton Elementary School (B+), Stratford Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: St. Thomas Aquinas School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Webster City (B+), Webster Township (B+), Scott Township (B+)
- Pictured: 2213 N Terrace Dr, Webster City ($314,500, 4 bedrooms)
7 / 25
realtor.com
#19. Benton County
- Population: 25,636
- Median home value: $157,200 (83% own)
- Median rent: $640 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $67,729
- Top public schools: Tilford Elementary School (A-), Benton Community Senior High School (B+), Vinton-Shellsburg Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: Central Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Vinton (A-), Eden Township (A), Monroe Township (B+)
- Pictured: 111 Viking Dr, Vinton ($294,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $157,200 (83% own)
- Median rent: $640 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $67,729
- Top public schools: Tilford Elementary School (A-), Benton Community Senior High School (B+), Vinton-Shellsburg Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: Central Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Vinton (A-), Eden Township (A), Monroe Township (B+)
- Pictured: 111 Viking Dr, Vinton ($294,900, 3 bedrooms)
8 / 25
realtor.com
#18. Buena Vista County
- Population: 20,058
- Median home value: $115,600 (65% own)
- Median rent: $706 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $57,125
- Top public schools: Albert City-Truesdale Elementary School (B+), Alta Aurelia High School (B+), Newell-Fonda High School (B)
- Top private schools: St. Mary's Schools (A-)
- Top places to live: Storm Lake (B+), Hayes Township (B+), Lakeside (B+)
- Pictured: 216 Dorinda St, Storm Lake ($379,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $115,600 (65% own)
- Median rent: $706 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $57,125
- Top public schools: Albert City-Truesdale Elementary School (B+), Alta Aurelia High School (B+), Newell-Fonda High School (B)
- Top private schools: St. Mary's Schools (A-)
- Top places to live: Storm Lake (B+), Hayes Township (B+), Lakeside (B+)
- Pictured: 216 Dorinda St, Storm Lake ($379,000, 3 bedrooms)
9 / 25
realtor.com
#17. Hancock County
- Population: 10,802
- Median home value: $102,200 (77% own)
- Median rent: $642 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $61,761
- Top public schools: West Hancock Middle School (B+), West Hancock High School (B), Garner-Hayfield-Ventura High School (B)
- Top private schools: Kanawha Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Garner (A-), Forest City (B+), Bingham Township (A-)
- Pictured: 1080 Cobblestone Ln, Garner ($359,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $102,200 (77% own)
- Median rent: $642 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $61,761
- Top public schools: West Hancock Middle School (B+), West Hancock High School (B), Garner-Hayfield-Ventura High School (B)
- Top private schools: Kanawha Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Garner (A-), Forest City (B+), Bingham Township (A-)
- Pictured: 1080 Cobblestone Ln, Garner ($359,900, 4 bedrooms)
10 / 25
realtor.com
#16. Marion County
- Population: 33,172
- Median home value: $157,300 (71% own)
- Median rent: $721 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $61,038
- 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 Grade School (unavailable), Peoria Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Pella (A), Knoxville (B-), Lake Prairie Township (A)
- Pictured: 505 Vintage Ln Unit 11, Pella ($593,332, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $157,300 (71% own)
- Median rent: $721 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $61,038
- 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 Grade School (unavailable), Peoria Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Pella (A), Knoxville (B-), Lake Prairie Township (A)
- Pictured: 505 Vintage Ln Unit 11, Pella ($593,332, 3 bedrooms)
11 / 25
realtor.com
#15. Plymouth County
- Population: 25,068
- Median home value: $163,500 (78% own)
- Median rent: $660 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $67,297
- Top public schools: Le Mars Middle School (A-), Hinton Middle School (A-), Akron Westfield Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Gehlen Catholic Schools (A), St. Mary's High School (B), St. Catherine-St. Mary's Grade School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Le Mars (B+), America Township (B+), Fredonia Township (B+)
- Pictured: 492 16th St SE, Le Mars ($449,500, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $163,500 (78% own)
- Median rent: $660 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $67,297
- Top public schools: Le Mars Middle School (A-), Hinton Middle School (A-), Akron Westfield Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Gehlen Catholic Schools (A), St. Mary's High School (B), St. Catherine-St. Mary's Grade School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Le Mars (B+), America Township (B+), Fredonia Township (B+)
- Pictured: 492 16th St SE, Le Mars ($449,500, 5 bedrooms)
12 / 25
realtor.com
#14. Winneshiek County
- Population: 20,262
- Median home value: $177,300 (79% own)
- Median rent: $702 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $65,263
- Top public schools: Decorah High School (A), Decorah Middle School (A), Carrie Lee Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: St. Benedict School (unavailable), CFS (Calmar/Festina/Spillville) Catholic School (unavailable), De Sales School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Decorah (A), Springfield Township (A), Decorah Township (A)
- Pictured: 2312 State Highway 9, Decorah ($885,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $177,300 (79% own)
- Median rent: $702 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $65,263
- Top public schools: Decorah High School (A), Decorah Middle School (A), Carrie Lee Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: St. Benedict School (unavailable), CFS (Calmar/Festina/Spillville) Catholic School (unavailable), De Sales School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Decorah (A), Springfield Township (A), Decorah Township (A)
- Pictured: 2312 State Highway 9, Decorah ($885,000, 3 bedrooms)
13 / 25
realtor.com
#13. Lyon County
- Population: 11,776
- Median home value: $146,900 (85% own)
- Median rent: $696 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $64,982
- Top public schools: Central Lyon Elementary School (A-), Central Lyon Senior High School (B+), West Lyon Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Inwood Christian School (unavailable), Northwest Iowa Protestant Reformed School (unavailable), Doon Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Cleveland Township (B+), Larchwood (B+), Rock Rapids (B+)
- Pictured: 916 Woodmont Ave, Harrisburg ($339,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $146,900 (85% own)
- Median rent: $696 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $64,982
- Top public schools: Central Lyon Elementary School (A-), Central Lyon Senior High School (B+), West Lyon Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Inwood Christian School (unavailable), Northwest Iowa Protestant Reformed School (unavailable), Doon Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Cleveland Township (B+), Larchwood (B+), Rock Rapids (B+)
- Pictured: 916 Woodmont Ave, Harrisburg ($339,000, 4 bedrooms)
14 / 25
realtor.com
#12. Bremer County
- Population: 24,864
- Median home value: $165,700 (83% own)
- Median rent: $661 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $70,395
- Top public schools: Denver Middle School (A), Denver Elementary School (A-), Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: St. Paul's Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Waverly (A), Douglas Township (A), Jefferson Township (A-)
- Pictured: 509 NE 6 St, Waverly ($599,900, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $165,700 (83% own)
- Median rent: $661 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $70,395
- Top public schools: Denver Middle School (A), Denver Elementary School (A-), Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: St. Paul's Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Waverly (A), Douglas Township (A), Jefferson Township (A-)
- Pictured: 509 NE 6 St, Waverly ($599,900, 6 bedrooms)
15 / 25
realtor.com
#11. Marshall County
- Population: 39,964
- Median home value: $106,000 (70% own)
- Median rent: $689 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $56,437
- Top public schools: East Marshall Middle School (B+), West Marshall Middle School (B+), East Marshall Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Marshalltown Area Catholic School (unavailable), Marshalltown Christian School (unavailable), Clemons Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Marshalltown (B), State Center Township (B+), Eden Township (B+)
- Pictured: 32011 Lily Ln, Marshalltown ($364,615, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $106,000 (70% own)
- Median rent: $689 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $56,437
- Top public schools: East Marshall Middle School (B+), West Marshall Middle School (B+), East Marshall Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Marshalltown Area Catholic School (unavailable), Marshalltown Christian School (unavailable), Clemons Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Marshalltown (B), State Center Township (B+), Eden Township (B+)
- Pictured: 32011 Lily Ln, Marshalltown ($364,615, 5 bedrooms)
16 / 25
realtor.com
#10. Woodbury County
- Population: 102,586
- Median home value: $123,300 (66% own)
- Median rent: $787 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $59,224
- Top public schools: Bronson Elementary School (A-), Sergeant Bluff-Luton Senior High School (A-), Woodbury Central High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Bishop Heelan Catholic High School (A), Siouxland Community Christian School (B-), Mater Dei School Nativity Center (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Sergeant Bluff (A-), Sioux City (B+), Banner Township (B+)
- Pictured: 606 Jamie Ln, Sergeant Bluff ($459,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $123,300 (66% own)
- Median rent: $787 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $59,224
- Top public schools: Bronson Elementary School (A-), Sergeant Bluff-Luton Senior High School (A-), Woodbury Central High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Bishop Heelan Catholic High School (A), Siouxland Community Christian School (B-), Mater Dei School Nativity Center (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Sergeant Bluff (A-), Sioux City (B+), Banner Township (B+)
- Pictured: 606 Jamie Ln, Sergeant Bluff ($459,900, 5 bedrooms)
17 / 25
realtor.com
#9. Warren County
- Population: 50,076
- Median home value: $187,200 (79% own)
- Median rent: $807 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $77,048
- Top public schools: Irving Elementary School (A-), Norwalk Senior High School (A-), Whittier Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Victory Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Norwalk (A-), Indianola (A-), Carlisle (B+)
- Pictured: 6499 64th Ln, Norwalk ($1.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $187,200 (79% own)
- Median rent: $807 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $77,048
- Top public schools: Irving Elementary School (A-), Norwalk Senior High School (A-), Whittier Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Victory Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Norwalk (A-), Indianola (A-), Carlisle (B+)
- Pictured: 6499 64th Ln, Norwalk ($1.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
18 / 25
realtor.com
#8. Dubuque County
- Population: 96,982
- Median home value: $166,800 (73% own)
- Median rent: $783 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $63,031
- Top public schools: Farley Elementary School (A), Epworth Elementary School (A), Dyersville Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Wahlert Catholic High School (A-), Beckman Catholic School (B+), St. Francis Xavier Elementary School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Asbury (A-), Dyersville (A-), Dubuque (A-)
- Pictured: 2150 Tuscany Ridge Dr, Dubuque ($725,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $166,800 (73% own)
- Median rent: $783 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $63,031
- Top public schools: Farley Elementary School (A), Epworth Elementary School (A), Dyersville Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Wahlert Catholic High School (A-), Beckman Catholic School (B+), St. Francis Xavier Elementary School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Asbury (A-), Dyersville (A-), Dubuque (A-)
- Pictured: 2150 Tuscany Ridge Dr, Dubuque ($725,000, 4 bedrooms)
19 / 25
realtor.com
#7. Linn County
- Population: 223,861
- Median home value: $157,000 (74% own)
- Median rent: $761 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $64,903
- Top public schools: Indian Creek Elementary School (A), Westfield Elementary School (A), Oak Ridge School (A)
- Top private schools: Xavier High School (A-), Cedar Valley Christian School (B), LaSalle Middle School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Mount Vernon (A+), Robins (A), Marion (A-)
- Pictured: 165 S Highway 1, Mount Vernon ($875,000, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $157,000 (74% own)
- Median rent: $761 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $64,903
- Top public schools: Indian Creek Elementary School (A), Westfield Elementary School (A), Oak Ridge School (A)
- Top private schools: Xavier High School (A-), Cedar Valley Christian School (B), LaSalle Middle School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Mount Vernon (A+), Robins (A), Marion (A-)
- Pictured: 165 S Highway 1, Mount Vernon ($875,000, 7 bedrooms)
20 / 25
realtor.com
#6. Story County
- Population: 96,941
- Median home value: $185,800 (54% own)
- Median rent: $905 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $56,756
- 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), Nevada Seventh-day Adventist School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Ames (A+), Huxley (A-), Story City (A-)
- Pictured: 103 S Hyland Ave, Ames ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $185,800 (54% own)
- Median rent: $905 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $56,756
- 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), Nevada Seventh-day Adventist School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Ames (A+), Huxley (A-), Story City (A-)
- Pictured: 103 S Hyland Ave, Ames ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
21 / 25
realtor.com
#5. Scott County
- Population: 172,446
- Median home value: $163,200 (69% own)
- Median rent: $793 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $61,183
- Top public schools: Hopewell Elementary (A+), Pleasant View Elementary (A+), Pleasant Valley Junior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Rivermont Collegiate (A+), Assumption High School (A), Morning Star Academy (B+)
- Top places to live: Bettendorf (A+), Le Claire (A), Eldridge (A-)
- Pictured: 3949 Forest Grove Dr, Bettendorf ($1.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $163,200 (69% own)
- Median rent: $793 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $61,183
- Top public schools: Hopewell Elementary (A+), Pleasant View Elementary (A+), Pleasant Valley Junior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Rivermont Collegiate (A+), Assumption High School (A), Morning Star Academy (B+)
- Top places to live: Bettendorf (A+), Le Claire (A), Eldridge (A-)
- Pictured: 3949 Forest Grove Dr, Bettendorf ($1.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
22 / 25
realtor.com
#4. Sioux County
- Population: 34,827
- Median home value: $167,500 (80% own)
- Median rent: $726 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $69,844
- 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+), Western Christian High School (B+), Netherlands Reformed Christian School (C+)
- Top places to live: Sioux Center (A), Orange City (A), Alton (A)
- Pictured: 2410 Ridge Rd, Sioux Center ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $167,500 (80% own)
- Median rent: $726 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $69,844
- 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+), Western Christian High School (B+), Netherlands Reformed Christian School (C+)
- Top places to live: Sioux Center (A), Orange City (A), Alton (A)
- Pictured: 2410 Ridge Rd, Sioux Center ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
23 / 25
realtor.com
#3. Johnson County
- Population: 148,577
- Median home value: $227,600 (58% own)
- Median rent: $972 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $62,542
- Top public schools: West Senior High School (A+), Iowa City High School (A), Lincoln Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Hillcrest Academy (A), Regina Catholic Education Center (A-), Heritage Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: University Heights (A+), Coralville (A+), North Liberty (A+)
- Pictured: 24 Olive Ct, Iowa City ($414,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $227,600 (58% own)
- Median rent: $972 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $62,542
- Top public schools: West Senior High School (A+), Iowa City High School (A), Lincoln Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Hillcrest Academy (A), Regina Catholic Education Center (A-), Heritage Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: University Heights (A+), Coralville (A+), North Liberty (A+)
- Pictured: 24 Olive Ct, Iowa City ($414,000, 3 bedrooms)
24 / 25
realtor.com
#2. Polk County
- Population: 479,612
- Median home value: $179,900 (67% own)
- Median rent: $910 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $67,637
- Top public schools: Ankeny Centennial High School (A), Prairie Trail Elementary School (A), Prairie Ridge Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (A), Des Moines Christian School (A-), Grand View Christian School (A-)
- Top places to live: West Des Moines (A+), Waterbury (A+), Johnston (A+)
- Pictured: 3700 Fuller Rd, West Des Moines ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $179,900 (67% own)
- Median rent: $910 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $67,637
- Top public schools: Ankeny Centennial High School (A), Prairie Trail Elementary School (A), Prairie Ridge Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Dowling Catholic High School (A), Des Moines Christian School (A-), Grand View Christian School (A-)
- Top places to live: West Des Moines (A+), Waterbury (A+), Johnston (A+)
- Pictured: 3700 Fuller Rd, West Des Moines ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
25 / 25
realtor.com
#1. Dallas County
- Population: 87,099
- Median home value: $248,100 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,045 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $88,479
- Top public schools: Grant Ragan Elementary School (A), Eason Elementary School (A), Waukee Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Francis of Assisi School (unavailable), St. Patrick's Catholic School (unavailable), Dallas Center Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Clive (A+), Waukee (A+), Adel (A-)
- Pictured: 13700 Lake Shore Dr, Clive ($4.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $248,100 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,045 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $88,479
- Top public schools: Grant Ragan Elementary School (A), Eason Elementary School (A), Waukee Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Francis of Assisi School (unavailable), St. Patrick's Catholic School (unavailable), Dallas Center Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Clive (A+), Waukee (A+), Adel (A-)
- Pictured: 13700 Lake Shore Dr, Clive ($4.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
