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Trying the top The Largest Cities In Iowa cities on US State Largest Cities – Choose State & Number? Here are the top 10 to get you started.
1. Des Moines, IA (Population: 210,381)
Des Moines, the capital and largest city of Iowa, serves as the state’s political, economic, and cultural hub. Known for its insurance and financial industries, the city has become a major center for business and innovation in the Midwest. Downtown Des Moines features modern skyscrapers alongside historic landmarks, cultural venues, and a growing culinary scene. The Iowa State Capitol, with its iconic golden dome, stands as one of the city’s most recognizable structures. Des Moines also invests heavily in green spaces, with the Des Moines Riverwalk, Gray’s Lake Park, and extensive bike trails offering outdoor recreation.
Interesting Fact:
Des Moines is often ranked among the best U.S. cities to live and work in thanks to its affordability and quality of life.
2. Cedar Rapids, IA (Population: 135,958)
Cedar Rapids, nicknamed the “City of Five Seasons,” is Iowa’s second-largest city and a major center for arts, culture, and industry. Located along the Cedar River, the city is known for its strong Czech and Slovak heritage, highlighted at the National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library. Cedar Rapids is also a hub for agriculture-related industries and food processing, with companies like Quaker Oats maintaining a significant presence. The city boasts vibrant cultural attractions, including the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and Paramount Theatre, as well as abundant outdoor recreation.
Interesting Fact:
Cedar Rapids is home to the largest collection of works by artist Grant Wood, creator of the famous painting *American Gothic*.
3. Davenport, IA (Population: 100,354)
Davenport, located on the Mississippi River, is part of the Quad Cities region shared with neighboring Illinois. The city combines Midwestern charm with riverfront beauty, offering festivals, outdoor concerts, and a strong community spirit. Davenport’s downtown has undergone revitalization with new businesses, breweries, and cultural venues. Highlights include the Figge Art Museum and the annual Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival, which celebrates the city’s jazz heritage. The Mississippi Riverfront Trail provides recreation and scenic views for locals and visitors alike.
Interesting Fact:
Davenport hosts the Bix 7, one of the nation’s premier 7-mile road races, attracting elite runners from around the world.
4. Sioux City, IA (Population: 85,727)
Sioux City, located in the northwest corner of Iowa, is a regional hub that blends history, culture, and commerce. The city played a key role in westward expansion, with the Lewis and Clark expedition passing through the area. Today, Sioux City features a revitalized downtown, the Sioux City Art Center, and the Orpheum Theatre. The city also emphasizes outdoor recreation, with Stone State Park and the nearby Missouri River offering opportunities for hiking, boating, and fishing.
Interesting Fact:
Sioux City was once nicknamed “Little Chicago” due to its bustling economy and reputation during Prohibition.
5. Iowa City, IA (Population: 75,678)
Iowa City is best known as the home of the University of Iowa and its renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop, which has produced numerous Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Prize winners. The city, once the state capital, remains a hub for culture, education, and healthcare. Downtown Iowa City is lively with bookstores, coffee shops, and performing arts venues. The Iowa Avenue Literary Walk honors famous writers connected to the city. With its youthful energy and strong cultural presence, Iowa City consistently ranks as one of America’s best college towns.
Interesting Fact:
Iowa City is recognized as a UNESCO City of Literature—the only such designation in the U.S.
6. Ankeny, IA (Population: 74,458)
Ankeny, located just north of Des Moines, is one of Iowa’s fastest-growing cities. Known for its strong schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and expanding business community, Ankeny offers a high quality of life. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the city’s parks and trails, including access to the High Trestle Trail, one of Iowa’s most scenic bike paths. Ankeny is also home to Des Moines Area Community College’s main campus, contributing to its youthful and vibrant population.
Interesting Fact:
Ankeny grew from a population of just over 2,000 in 1950 to more than 70,000 today, making it one of Iowa’s fastest-expanding cities.
7. West Des Moines, IA (Population: 72,205)
West Des Moines, part of the Des Moines metropolitan area, is a thriving suburban city known for shopping, business, and family living. Jordan Creek Town Center, Iowa’s largest shopping mall, is a major retail destination. The city is also home to corporate headquarters, strong schools, and recreational amenities. West Des Moines offers a balance of suburban comfort and easy access to the cultural attractions of nearby Des Moines.
Interesting Fact:
West Des Moines was originally established as a railroad town in the late 1800s and was once called Valley Junction.
8. Waterloo, IA (Population: 66,606)
Waterloo, situated on the Cedar River, has a strong industrial and agricultural base. The city is known for its John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum, highlighting the area’s manufacturing history. Waterloo also hosts cultural events and features the RiverLoop Amphitheatre and Expo Plaza along the redeveloped riverfront. Its diverse community and growing arts scene add vibrancy to this historic Iowa city.
Interesting Fact:
The Sullivan Brothers, five siblings from Waterloo, perished together during World War II, leading to the Navy’s “Sole Survivor Policy.”
9. Ames, IA (Population: 65,686)
Ames, home to Iowa State University, is a dynamic college town with a reputation for education, research, and technology. The city is well known for its engineering and agricultural research, much of it centered around the university. Ames offers a thriving cultural scene, with art galleries, performing arts venues, and college sports energizing the community. Its blend of academic excellence and small-town friendliness makes it one of Iowa’s most desirable places to live.
Interesting Fact:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Disease Center is based in Ames, underscoring its role in agricultural science.
10. Council Bluffs, IA (Population: 62,399)
Council Bluffs, located along the Missouri River across from Omaha, Nebraska, has long been a gateway to the west. Once a major stop for pioneers, railroads, and riverboats, the city remains historically significant. Today, Council Bluffs offers museums, casinos, and recreational trails, as well as access to the larger Omaha metro area. The Union Pacific Railroad Museum highlights the city’s critical role in America’s transportation history.
Interesting Fact:
Council Bluffs was originally called Kanesville and was a gathering point for Mormon pioneers heading west.
