Iowa City, IA Rental Market
Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa — a flagship Big Ten research university with over 30,000 students and the highly ranked University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The combination of university enrollment and a major academic medical center creates two distinct, reliable tenant streams. The city's intellectual culture, walkable downtown, and high quality of life attract young professionals and remote workers beyond the traditional student base.
Get a rent estimate for an address in Iowa CityAverage Rent in Iowa City, IA
$1,120
per month · 2026-06
Market Score
Key Facts — Iowa City, IA Rental Market
- Average rent in Iowa City, IA:$1,120/mo
- Median rent:$1,030/mo
- Rent range:$575 – $2,450/mo
- Most common rental (2 bedrooms):$975/mo
- Active listings:420
- Avg days to lease:30 days
- Year-over-year change:+3.2%
- Median home value:$220,000
- Est. gross annual yield:6.1%
- Data as of:2026-06
Rent by Bedroom in Iowa City, IA
Average monthly rent for each bedroom type based on current active listings in Iowa City.
| Bedroom Type | Avg Rent/mo |
|---|---|
1 Bedroom | $800/mo |
2 Bedrooms | $975/mo |
3 Bedrooms | $1,250/mo |
4 Bedrooms | $1,550/mo |
5 Bedrooms | $1,775/mo |
Iowa City Rental Market Statistics
Key indicators from the current Iowa City, IA rental market.
420
Available now in Iowa City
30
From list to lease
$0.88
Average across listings
1,268 sq ft
Typical rental size
$575 – $2,450
Min to max active listings
+3.2%
Avg rent vs. prior year
Investing in Iowa City, IA Rental Properties
Estimated returns based on current market rents and median home values. Perform full due diligence before investing.
Median Home Value
$220,000
Typical purchase price in Iowa City
Est. Gross Annual Yield
6.1%
Before expenses & vacancy
Avg Monthly Income
$1,120
At average market rent
Gross yield = (avg rent × 12) ÷ median home value. Does not include expenses, financing, vacancies, or management fees. Analyze a specific property in Iowa City for a full cash-flow breakdown including all costs.
Iowa City, IA Rental Market FAQ
Common questions about renting and investing in Iowa City, IA.
What is the average rent in Iowa City, IA?
The average rent in Iowa City, IA is $1,120 per month as of 2026. One-bedroom apartments average $800/mo, two-bedrooms $975/mo, and three-bedroom homes $1,250/mo. Areas near the University of Iowa campus and downtown Pedestrian Mall command above-average rents.
Is Iowa City, IA a good place to invest in rental property?
Iowa City offers a 6.1% estimated gross annual yield anchored by University of Iowa's 30,000+ enrollment and UIHC — one of the largest academic medical centers in the Midwest. University-adjacent properties maintain high occupancy, and the city's growth as a tech-adjacent college town adds long-term upside.
How competitive is the Iowa City, IA rental market?
Iowa City averages 30 days on market with approximately 420 active listings. The spring leasing season (February–April) for fall move-ins is highly competitive near campus. Properties within walking or biking distance of the UI campus and Ped Mall typically lease months in advance of the August start date.
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