Sioux City 79 Exceptional
Sioux City Livability #84 ranked city in Iowa#1,903 ranked city in the USARanks better than 93% of areas

Sioux City, IA - A City of History and Opportunity

Living in Sioux City, IA offers a perfect blend of history, cultural vibrancy, and economic opportunity. Located along the Missouri River, Sioux City is a hub of activity in northwest Iowa, known for its rich history and welcoming community. The city’s historic downtown area features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, including the Orpheum Theatre and the Sioux City Art Center, which provide a glimpse into the city’s artistic heritage.

Sioux City’s dining scene is diverse, offering a range of options from classic American fare to international cuisine. The city’s annual River-Cade festival is a highlight, celebrating the region’s connection to the Missouri River with parades, live music, and family-friendly activities. The Tyson Events Center is another focal point of the community, hosting concerts, sports events, and other large gatherings throughout the year.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Sioux City offers plenty of opportunities for recreation. The city’s parks, including Stone State Park and Bacon Creek Park, provide scenic spots for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The nearby Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center offers educational exhibits and trails that highlight the natural beauty of the Loess Hills region.

Sioux City is also known for its strong sense of community and family-friendly environment. The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the annual ArtSplash festival and the Siouxland Renaissance Festival, which bring residents together to celebrate the city’s cultural diversity and community spirit. The local schools and educational institutions, including Briar Cliff University, make Sioux City an attractive place for families and students alike.

For those considering a move to Iowa, Sioux City offers a unique blend of historical charm, cultural vibrancy, and economic growth. Whether you're drawn by its outdoor activities, cultural events, or welcoming atmosphere, living in Sioux City, IA provides a fulfilling and dynamic lifestyle.

Pros and Cons of Living in Sioux City

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

  • Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

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What's it like Living in Sioux City?

Located in the state of Iowa, Sioux City is a medium-sized city with a population of 82,535 residents. The majority of Sioux City residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Sioux City will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 17 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Sioux City, Iowa. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Sioux City and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, health & safety, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.

With a livability score of 77 out of 100, Sioux City is ranked #2,222 in the United States and #105 in Iowa. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Sioux City could be a great choice! Another exciting tidbit, is that Sioux City ranks better than 90% of all US cities! Based on the grades for each individual category, Sioux City has received high marks for amenities (B-), cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (A+). Unfortunately for Sioux City, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (F).

Living in Sioux City offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Sioux City provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Sioux City: Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Trinity Heights, and Sergeant Floyd Monument.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Sioux City apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Sioux City is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Sioux City come in at $123,100, which is 7.3% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Sioux City, the home price to income ratio is 2.1, which is 12.5% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Sioux City

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      Sioux City transportation information

      Statistic Sioux City Iowa National
      Average one way commute17min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.7%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.5%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.4%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.9%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home2.9%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Sioux City, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).