Iowa City Population: Are Students Included?

does population of iowa city include university students

Iowa City, Iowa, is a college town and home to the University of Iowa, a public research university founded in 1847. The university is the oldest and largest in the state, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 22,130 students as of Fall 2023. The presence of the university significantly influences the demographics and economy of Iowa City, with the city's population increasing during the months when the university is in session. The latest census data from 2020 recorded a population of 74,828 in Iowa City, but this figure does not specify whether it includes university students.

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Iowa City's population growth

Iowa City's population has been steadily increasing over the years, with the latest estimates placing it as the fifth-most populous city in Iowa. As of the 2020 census, the population was 74,828, a figure that has continued to grow. The Iowa City metropolitan area, encompassing Johnson and Washington counties, has a population of over 171,000.

The city's population growth can be attributed to several factors, including its status as a college town and the presence of the University of Iowa, which was founded in 1847 and has a significant impact on the local community. Iowa City's economy has also been a driving force behind its population growth, with economic development and a healthy economy attracting new residents.

The population of Iowa City has a median age of 26 years, with a median household income of around $54,879 as of 2022. The city has a diverse racial and ethnic makeup, with the largest ethnic group being White (Non-Hispanic), followed by Black or African American, Asian, and other groups.

Iowa City has received various accolades and recognition, including being named the 10th best U.S. city for singles and the third-best small metro area in the country. It is known for its thriving arts and culture scene and has been designated a City of Literature by UNESCO.

The University of Iowa, with its undergraduate enrollment of over 22,000 students as of fall 2023, also plays a crucial role in the city's population dynamics. The university's presence contributes to a well-educated population, with 58% of adults in Iowa City holding at least a bachelor's degree.

In summary, Iowa City's population growth can be attributed to its status as a college town, a thriving economy, and its cultural attractions. The presence of the University of Iowa and the city's diverse and well-educated population further contribute to its appeal, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in Iowa.

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Iowa City's demographics

Iowa City is a college town, with a population that booms during the academic year. It is the county seat of Johnson County, Iowa, and the state's fifth-most populous city. As of 2024, the population of Iowa City is 75,932, with a median age of 26. The city's population has been steadily growing, with a 1.36% increase since the 2020 census, which recorded a population of 74,916.

The city is known for its thriving arts and culture scene, and is designated as a City of Literature by UNESCO. It is also recognised for its commitment to sustainability and environmental initiatives. Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa, the state's oldest and largest university, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 22,130 as of Fall 2023. The university offers a wide range of academic programs and is particularly renowned for its writing and medical centres.

According to the latest demographic data, the racial composition of Iowa City is as follows:

  • White (Non-Hispanic): 73.2%
  • Black or African American (Non-Hispanic): 8.36%
  • Asian (Non-Hispanic): 7.8%
  • Two or more races (Non-Hispanic): 5.17%
  • Native American or Native Alaskan: 0.25%
  • Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.04%
  • Hispanic or Latino: 6.7%

The average household income in Iowa City is $83,548, with a poverty rate of 26.73%. The city has a high percentage of highly educated residents, with 58% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Iowa City also has a diverse population, with 13.2% of residents born outside the United States.

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Iowa City's educational attainment

Iowa City is the county seat and largest city of Johnson County, Iowa. The population was 74,828 at the time of the 2020 census, making it the state's fifth-most populous city. The Iowa City metropolitan area, which includes Johnson and Washington counties, has a population of over 171,000. The metro area is also part of a combined statistical area with the Cedar Rapids metro area, known as the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids region, which collectively has a population of nearly 500,000.

The University of Iowa, founded in 1847 and located in Iowa City, is the state's oldest institution of higher education. It is one of America's premier public research universities, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 22,130 as of Fall 2023. The university offers top-notch academic programming in more than 100 areas and is known for its excellence in both the arts and sciences. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is a highly ranked facility and one of the largest university-owned teaching hospitals in the United States.

Iowa City is commonly known as a college town, and the population increases during the months when the schools are in session. As of the 2010 census, about 58.0% of adults in Iowa City held a bachelor's degree or higher. The Iowa City Community School District operates public schools in the city, including three public high schools: City High School, West High School, and Liberty High School. Iowa City is also home to the private PK-12 school district, Regina Catholic Education Center.

In addition to the University of Iowa, Iowa City is home to a branch of Kirkwood Community College. The city's educational offerings also extend beyond traditional academic institutions. For example, the Iowa City Japanese School provides Japanese language instruction for Japanese nationals.

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Iowa City's employment and industries

Iowa City's economy is based on commerce, the University of Iowa, and several national and international companies. The arts and entertainment sectors also contribute significantly to the local economy. The city is home to the corporate headquarters of Moore North America, ACT, Procter & Gamble, and Oral B Laboratories/Gillette.

The University of Iowa is Iowa City's largest employer, with its academic and research activities, as well as its healthcare services, having a substantial impact on the region. The university is one of America's premier public research universities and is the state's oldest institution of higher education. It has one of the most acclaimed academic medical centres in the country and is globally recognised for its leadership in the study and craft of writing.

Iowa City's top employment sectors include education, healthcare, accommodation and food services, finance and insurance, and professional scientific and technical services. The city is also home to numerous computer specialists, and about 42% of the local workforce is found in management, professional, and related occupations.

The average (mean) hourly wage in Iowa City in May 2023 was $28.82, compared to the nationwide average of $31.48. Higher-paying major occupational groups included management, healthcare practitioners and technical workers, and computer and mathematical workers. Lower-paying occupations included food preparation and serving, personal care and service, and building and grounds cleaning and maintenance.

Some of the occupations more prevalent in Iowa City than in most other cities include medical scientists, pre-press technicians, English language and literature teachers, electrical and electronics repairers, team assemblers, childcare workers, and chemists.

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Iowa City's cost of living

Energy bills in Iowa City cost around $134.68 per month, with a gallon of gas priced at around $2.95. Groceries are around 2% more expensive in Iowa City than in the rest of the country. A bottle of milk costs about $2.57, a dozen eggs go for around $1.24, and a pound of potatoes costs around $2.54.

Healthcare services such as doctor check-ups and dentistry cost 3% less in Iowa City compared to the US average. An optometry check-up costs around $128.12, while a dentist appointment is priced at $80.41 on average.

Non-necessary expenses such as entertainment and grooming services are 2% pricier in Iowa City. A movie ticket costs around $11.32, a haircut usually goes for $28.32, and dry cleaning costs about $11.78.

The median household income in Iowa City is $51,925, which is about $10,000 less than the state median.

Frequently asked questions

The population of Iowa City was 74,828 as of the 2020 census. In 2024, the population is estimated to be 75,932.

The University of Iowa has a total enrollment of over 30,000 students. The undergraduate enrollment for Fall 2023 was 22,130, and the total enrollment for Fall 2024 was 32,000.

Yes, the University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, alongside the Iowa River.

Yes, the population of Iowa City includes university students. The University of Iowa is the largest university in the state, with over 30,000 students, and Iowa City is considered a college town. The population of the city increases during the months when the university is in session.

According to the 2020 census, the racial makeup of Iowa City was 72.5% White, 10.2% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 7.3% Asian, 3.0% of two or more races, and 6.7% Hispanic or Latino. The median age is approximately 26 years, and the average household income is around $55,000.

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