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Iowa City, IA

Frequently asked questions

Iowa City, IA

Iowa City is the seat of government of Johnson County, Iowa, United States. It is the home of the University of Iowa and the county seat of Johnson County, at the center of the Iowa City Metropolitan Statistical Area. The metropolitan area, which encompasses Johnson and Washington counties, has a population of over 171,000. The Iowa City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is also a part of a Combined Statistical Area (CSA) with the Cedar Rapids MSA. This CSA plus two additional counties are known as the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids region which collectively has a population of nearly 500,000. Iowa City is the home of the University of Iowa. It was the second capital of the Iowa Territory and the first capital city of the State of Iowa; the Old Capitol building is a National Historic Landmark in the center of the University of Iowa campus. The University of Iowa Art Museum and Plum Grove, the home of the first governor of Iowa, are also tourist attractions.

Iowa City was created by an act of the Legislative Assembly of the Iowa Territory on January 21, 1839, fulfilling the desire of Governor Robert Lucas to move the capital out of Burlington and closer to the center of the territory. This act began: An Act to locate the Seat of Government of the Territory of Iowa ... so soon as the place shall be selected, and the consent of the United States obtained, the commissioners shall proceed to lay out a town to be called "Iowa City". While Iowa City was selected as the territorial capital in 1839, it did not officially become the capital city until 1841; after construction on the capitol building had begun. The capitol building was completed in 1842, and the last four territorial legislatures and the first six Iowa General Assemblies met there until 1857 when the state capital was moved to Des Moines.

Iowa City is located in eastern Iowa, along the Iowa River, on Interstate 80, approximately 60 miles (97 km) west of the Quad Cities (Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, and Moline and Rock Island, Illinois). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 25.28 square miles (65.47 km²), of which 25.01 square miles (64.78 km²) is land and 0.27 square miles (0.70 km²) is water. The elevation at the Iowa City Municipal Airport is 668 ft (203.6 m) above sea level. Iowa City is commonly known as a college town. It is home to the University of Iowa. The population increases during the months when the two schools are in session.

Iowa City places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. University of Iowa Health Care offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Planet Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Aspire Therapy & Wellness provides comprehensive wellness services, including chiropractic care, acupuncture, and nutritional counseling. Heartland Yoga offers a serene environment for yoga enthusiasts, with classes ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Hands In Harmony delivers therapeutic massage and holistic treatments, promoting relaxation and stress relief. Pretty Nails & Spa offers luxurious spa treatments, from manicures to full-body massages. Active Endeavors Adventure Center encourages outdoor activities with equipment rentals and guided trips for hiking, biking, and kayaking. 

Top sites in Iowa City, IA are Old Capitol Museum, Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, and Stanley Museum of Art.

Population: 75,678 (2023). ZIP code: 52240. Area code: 319. Elevation: 668 ft (203.6 m). Area: 26.19 sq mi (67.82 km²).

FAQs

What is Iowa City, IA is known for?

Iowa City is the home of the University of Iowa. It was the second capital of the Iowa Territory and the first capital city of the State of Iowa; the Old Capitol building is a National Historic Landmark in the center of the University of Iowa campus. The University of Iowa Art Museum and Plum Grove, the home of the first governor of Iowa, are also tourist attractions.

What are the demographics of Iowa City, IA?

Iowa City, IA is home to a population of 74.9k people, of which 90.6% are citizens. As of 2022, 13.2% of Iowa City, IA residents were born outside of the country (9.91k people). In 2022, there were 8.76 times more White (non-Hispanic) residents (54.8k people) in Iowa City, IA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 6.26k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 5.84k Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Is Iowa City, IA expensive?

The cost of living in Iowa City, IA is 1% lower than the state average and 7% lower than the national average. Iowa City, IA housing is 20% cheaper than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 14% less pricey. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 1% more in Iowa City, IA than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 1% more. Healthcare services such as doctor check-ups and dentistry cost 6% less here compared to the U.S. average. At the same time, non-necessary expenses such as entertainment and grooming services are 1% pricier in Iowa City, IA.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Iowa City

Data USA

Rentcafe

Old Capitol Museum

Terry Trueblood Recreation Area

Stanley Museum of Art

University of Iowa Health Care

Planet Fitness

Aspire Therapy & Wellness

Heartland Yoga

Hands In Harmony

Pretty Nails & Spa

Active Endeavors Adventure Center

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.