Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Median home value
1990–2024Census / Zillow ZHVI, nominal dollars.
Home Prices
The median home value in Iowa was approximately $221,000 in 2024, per Zillow data.
FHFA House Price Index
1975–2025FHFA all-transactions index, annual average of quarters. Source: FHFA via FRED (IASTHPI).
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Homeownership Rate | 72 | 65.6 |
- •Home prices in Iowa vary significantly between metro and rural areas.
Median Home Value
Iowa housing is among the most affordable in the country, with a median home value near $205,000.
Median value of owner-occupied homes
2008–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, B25077 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Median home value (USD) | 205000 | 340000 |
Rent Prices
The median gross rent in Iowa was approximately $980 per month in 2024.
Rent of primary residence index (Midwest region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U, Midwest region, annual average (CUUR0200SEHA).
- •Rent prices in Iowa vary widely between its largest metro areas and rural regions.
Housing Inventory
Iowa's housing inventory reflects a vacancy rate of 8.5% alongside roughly 9,800 new permits issued in 2023.
Total housing units
2008–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, B25001 (2020 not released).
Vacant housing units
2008–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, B25002 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Vacancy Rate | 8.5 | 8 |
- •Tight housing inventory has been a persistent issue in several Iowa metro areas.
Building Permits
Iowa issued approximately 9,800 new residential building permits in 2023, per Census Bureau data.
New private housing units authorized
1988–2025Census Building Permits Survey, sum of 12 months (FRED IABPPRIV).
- •Building permit trends in Iowa reflect broader housing demand and zoning conditions.
Homeownership Rate
Iowa's homeownership rate stood at 72.0% in 2023, compared with 65.6% nationally.
Homeownership rate (CPS/HVS)
1984–2025Census Housing Vacancy Survey, annual (FRED IAHOWN).
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Homeownership Rate | 72 | 65.6 |
- •Homeownership in Iowa tends to be higher in suburban and rural counties than in urban centers.
Housing Affordability
With a median home value of $221,000 against median income of $71,433, housing affordability in Iowa reflects a price-to-income ratio of 3.1.
Housing price level vs U.S. (RPP rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing services (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price level vs U.S. (RPP rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 65.3 | 100 |
- •Housing affordability pressures in Iowa have intensified amid rising mortgage rates since 2022.
Vacancy Rate
Iowa's rental vacancy rate was 8.5% in 2023, compared to 8.0% nationally.
Rental vacancy rate
1986–2025Census Housing Vacancy Survey, annual (FRED IARVAC).
Homeowner vacancy rate
1986–2025Census Housing Vacancy Survey, annual (FRED IAHVAC).
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Vacancy Rate | 8.5 | 8 |
- •Low vacancy rates in Iowa can contribute to upward pressure on rents.