Iowa City, IA—52246
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Iowa City, IA
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Iowa City, IA is $286,000, with a year-over-year change of 4.6%. This indicates that home prices in Iowa City, IA are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 0.5%, suggesting a relatively flat housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $286,000 | 4.6% |
| Single Family | $349,000 | 4.8% |
| Condos | $186,000 | 6.3% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $145,000 | 7.4% |
2 Bed | $172,000 | 3.0% |
3 Bed | $299,000 | 4.2% |
4 Bed | $416,000 | 3.2% |
| 5 Bed | $554,000 | 2.8% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Iowa City, IA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Iowa City, IA is $1,300, with a year-over-year rent change of 8.3%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Iowa City, IA is studios: $861, 1-bedrooms: $921, 2-bedrooms: $1,260, 3-bedrooms: $1,680, 4-bedrooms: $2,300. The most common rental property sizes in Iowa City, IA are 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom, accounting for 45.8% and 25.9% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,120 | $1,300 |
| Studio Rent | $750 | $861 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $795 | $921 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,100 | $1,260 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,450 | $1,680 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $2,500 | $2,300 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Iowa City, IA
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Iowa City, IA is 70. This is a increase of 21.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market longer than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 16.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $425,000 | 10.0% |
Listing Count | 87 | -3.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.5% | -3.0% |
Days on Market | 70 | 21.0% |
Demographics — Iowa City, IA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Iowa City, IA has a population of 21,900, which has decreased by -6.7% over the past 5 years. Iowa City, IA is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 18.4% of the population. The area has a highly educated workforce, with 66.7% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 12.1% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 21,900 | -6.7% |
% Under 18 | 18.4% | 1.1% |
% Seniors | 11.1% | 11.0% |
% WFH | 12.1% | 236.1% |
% w/ College Degree | 66.7% | -1.5% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Iowa City, IA is a predominantly white area, with 65.1% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 1.8% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Iowa City, IA is black, making up 11.8% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 16.7% of the population in Iowa City, IA, and this percentage has decreased by 31.6% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting fewer immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 65.1% | -1.8% |
% Black | 11.8% | 7.3% |
% Hispanic | 8.3% | 118.4% |
% Asian | 11.0% | -23.1% |
% Foreign Born | 16.7% | -31.6% |
Mortgage and Risk — Iowa City, IA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 370 mortgage originations in Iowa City, IA, of which 97.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 53.0%, with 13.0% above 90% LTV (elevated). This implies medium mortgage risk in Iowa City, IA. Investor activity is low, as 3.0% of loans were by investors. 5.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting few homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 370 |
% Conventional Loans | 97.0% |
% Government Loans | 3.0% |
% Investor Loans | 3.0% |
% Second Loans | 2.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 5.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Iowa City, IA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Iowa City, IA under the Section 8 program is 10.2%. This is considered low, suggesting that the neighborhood is sparsely composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Iowa City, IA, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 558 |
Total Units Section 8 | 554 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 10.2% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 91.6% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $125 | $795 | $920 |
| 2 Bedroom | $0 | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| 3 Bedroom | $90 | $1,450 | $1,540 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$650 | $2,500 | $1,850 |
Affordability — Iowa City, IA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 4.6 |
| Median Home Price | $286,000 |
| Median Household Income | $55,100 |