United States landmark

51501

Council Bluffs, IA

Total Population

35,400
5-year trend
+6.5%

Median Household Income

$56,054
5-year trend
+14.1%

Median Home Value

$130,300
5-year trend
+38.6%

Median Rent

$979
5-year trend
+27.8%

About Council Bluffs, IA

Comprehensive Neighborhood Analysis

Neighborhood Profile

Council Bluffs, IA in Pottawattamie represents a thriving suburban community with approximately 35,400 residents. This middle income area is characterized by a affordable housing market, with median home values around $130,300 and a median household income of $56,054.

The community features a active, family-oriented residents, with a median age of 38 years. Residents benefit from a varied educational attainment levels, contributing to a diverse and vibrant local culture. The area's economic landscape reflects its demographic composition, with household incomes and property values aligned with broader regional trends.

Population
35,400

Large-sized community with diverse demographics

Median Income
$56,054

Middle income earning profile

Home Value
$130,300

Affordable housing market

Quality of Life Overview

Our comprehensive analysis evaluates Council Bluffs, IA across multiple quality-of-life dimensions including amenities access, cost of living, safety metrics, educational opportunities, and climate conditions. The overall livability score of 71/10 reflects these combined factors, providing residents and prospective movers with data-driven insights into the area's living standards.

Key Insights

What the data tells us about this area

Median household income is 100% higher than the state average, indicating an affluent area.

Home values are 101% higher than the state average. This area has a competitive real estate market.

Safety score of 48/100 suggests higher crime rates. Consider additional safety precautions.

Quick Facts & Insights

Key metrics and how they compare

Household Income
$56,054
100.3% above state avg
Home Value
$130,300
100.6% above state avg
Rent
$979
100% above state avg
Population Density
35,400 residents
Median Age
38.0 years
Safety Score
48/100
Below average safety

Livability Score

Overall quality of life rating based on key factors

Overall Livability
71
Good
Out of 100

Score Breakdown

Amenities
100/100
Cost of Living
100/100
Safety
48/100
Education
33/100
ℹ️ Hover for details
Employment
72/100
Housing
98/100
Weather
69/100

Expert Analysis & Insights

Data-Driven Community Assessment

Our team of data analysts and urban planning experts have evaluated Council Bluffs, IA across multiple dimensions to provide you with actionable insights. These findings are based on comprehensive analysis of demographic trends, economic indicators, housing market dynamics, and quality of life factors.

Excellent Housing Affordability

Strength

With a home price-to-income ratio of 2.3:1, homes in Council Bluffs, IA are highly affordable relative to local incomes. This compares favorably to the national benchmark of 3-4:1, making homeownership more accessible.

Below-Average Cost of Living

Opportunity

The cost of living index of 59 is below the national average of 100, meaning your dollar stretches further here. This can translate to higher disposable income, easier savings, and improved quality of life.

Methodology: Our analysis combines official data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and regional housing databases with proprietary algorithms to identify meaningful patterns and trends. All comparisons use state-level benchmarks unless otherwise noted.

Data Sources & Accuracy

Official Government Data:Demographics and housing statistics are from the U.S. Census Bureau API (American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates). Weather and climate data comes from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) API with official climate normals from the nearest weather station. Crime statistics are from the FBI Crime Data Explorer API, with county-level data when available, otherwise state-level official data.
Modeled Estimates:Schools and some economic indicators are currently modeled using statistical methods based on national averages and regional patterns. For critical decisions, verify with official sources:

Learn more about our data sources and methodology on our Data Sources page.

Interactive Location Map

Council Bluffs, IA 51501

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Coordinates: 41.2324°, -95.8751°Open in Google Maps

Cost of Living

Compared to national average (100 = US average)

Overall Cost Index
59
Lower than avg
100 = US National Average

Cost Index by Category

Housing
0
Below avg
Transportation
90
Average
Healthcare
95
Average
Groceries
85
Below avg
Utilities
92
Average
Overall
59
Below avg

Economy & Employment

Job market and economic indicators

Labor Force
18,004
Employment Rate
95.7%
Avg. Commute
29 min
Work From Home
1%

Top Industries by Employment

Industry Breakdown

Educational Services
27.7%
Manufacturing
23.6%
Finance & Insurance
14.1%
Construction
10.7%
Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
9%
Total Employed
17,222
Total Unemployed
759
Unemployment Rate
4.2%

Nearby ZIP Codes

Explore surrounding areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Council Bluffs, IA

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, Council Bluffs, IA has a total population of approximately 35,400 residents. This population figure is derived from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates, which provide the most reliable and comprehensive demographic data available.

Have more questions? Our data is continuously updated to provide you with the most accurate and comprehensive information available. For specific inquiries or detailed analysis, consider consulting with local real estate professionals, financial advisors, or community organizations who can provide personalized guidance based on your unique situation.

Demographics Overview

Comprehensive population statistics and demographic breakdown

Key Demographic Insightsfor Council Bluffs, IA

Median household income is 100% below state average, suggesting more affordable cost of living.

Insights are derived from US Census Bureau data and may not reflect recent changes.

Household Income Distribution

Local Median Income
$56,054
-25.4% vs US
vs State Median
+-100.3%
State: $-17,266,107
Income Distribution
30.8%
Under $50k
18.5%
Over $100k
Lower Income
Middle Income
Higher Income
Data from US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates

Age Distribution

Population by age group

Household Income Breakdown

Households by income bracket

Education Levels (Age 25+)

Highest education attained

Race & Ethnicity

Demographic composition

Households & Employment

Household Types

Family composition breakdown

Average Household Size: 2.44 people

Total Households
14,284
Family Households
38.5%

Employment by Industry

Where residents work

#1 Industry
Education
27.7%
#2 Industry
Manufacturing
23.6%
#3 Industry
Finance
14.1%
Total Employed Residents:9,486

Commute Patterns

How residents get to work

Short Commute
2.4%
Under 10 minutes
Long Commute
2.1%
Over 60 minutes
Work From Home
1.4%
224 workers
Public Transit
0.6%
97 workers
Total Commuting Workers:16,005
Commute Insights

Labor Force Statistics

Employment Rate
95.8%
17,222 employed
Labor Force
18,004
759 unemployed
Unemployment Rate:4.2%
Median Age
38.0 years
Per Capita Income
$28,405
Poverty Rate
14.0%

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