Biggest Cities In Iowa

Most populated city  Des Moines, in Iowa.

With a population of 207,510 as of 2013, Des Moines, located in Iowa's Polk Warren county, is the state's most populous city.

The State Of Iowa

Iowa is a state in the Midwestern US. The state shares a border with Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, and Illinois. This states encompasses an area of 145,746 square miles and has a population size of 3,123,899, making it the 30th most populated US state. Many of these individuals live in the state’s cities and urban centers. This article takes a look at the most populated cities in Iowa.

The Biggest Cities In Iowa

Des Moines

The most populated city in Iowa is Des Moines, the state capital. It is the 91st most populated metropolitan area in the country with around 207,510 residents. The racial makeup of Des Moines is White (76.4%), African American (10.2%), Hispanic or Latino (12%), and Asian (4.4%). The average age is 33.5 years.

Although the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, the current city began in 1843 as a military fort to control local, indigenous peoples before forcing them further west. It was incorporated as a city in 1851. Fifteen years later, the railroad was completed which resulted in a huge population increase. During this time, coal mining was a significant part of the economy. Today, this city is home to a large number of insurance and financial services companies. The number 1 private sector employer is Wells Fargo & Co.

Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids is the second most populated city in the state and the county seat of Linn County. The population size is 128,429, and its racial diversity consists of 87.98% White, 5.58% African-American, 3.31% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.21% Asian. The first European settler arrived here in 1838, but the city did not grow significantly until 1871 when a meat packing company was established. Today, the economy relies on the grain processing industry, which provides approximately 4,000 jobs.

This city also plays an important role in Muslim culture; the first Muslim immigrants arrived in 1895 from present-day Lebanon and Syria. In 1934, the Mother Mosque of America was founded. It is the oldest mosque in North America, although it was rebuilt in 1972. In 1975, Islamic Services of America, an organization that provides global Halal certification, began here.

Davenport

Davenport, the county seat of Scott County, is the third largest city with a population of 102,157. The racial demographics of its residents are as follows: White (83.7%), African American (9.2%), Hispanic or Latino (5.4%), and Asian (2%). The average age is 34 years and women outnumber men 100 to 94.7.

After the 1832 Black Hawk War, the US government purchased the land from the defeated indigenous peoples and Davenport was officially established in 1836. When the Rock Island Railroad was built in 1856, trade with Chicago increased and helped its economy grow. This growth, however, was reversed during the Great Depression. After World War II, several large companies were established here, including Oscar Mayer. Today, the economy continues to center around the manufacturing industry, which provides over 7,000 jobs.

Other urban areas in Iowa and their population sizes can be found in the chart below

The Biggest Cities In Iowa

Rank City Population County

1 Des Moines 207,510 Polk Warren
2 Cedar Rapids 128,429 Linn
3 Davenport 102,157 Scott
4 Sioux City 82,459 Woodbury Plymouth
5 Iowa City 71,591 Johnson
6 Waterloo 68,366 Black Hawk
7 Council Bluffs 61,969 Pottawattamie
8 Ames 61,792 Story
9 West Des Moines 61,255 Polk Warren Dallas
10 Dubuque 58,253 Dubuque
11 Ankeny 54,598 Polk
12 Urbandale 41,776 Polk Dallas
13 Cedar Falls 40,566 Black Hawk
14 Marion 36,147 Linn
15 Bettendorf 34,707 Scott
16 Marshalltown 27,844 Marshall
17 Mason City 27,704 Cerro Gordo
18 Clinton 26,473 Clinton
19 Burlington 25,725 Des Moines
20 Ottumwa 24,840 Wappello
21 Fort Dodge 24,639 Webster
22 Muscatine 23,034 Muscatine
23 Coralville 20,092 Johnson
24 Johnston 19,798 Polk
25 North Liberty 18,228 Johnson
26 Altoona 15,653 Polk
27 Newton 15,136 Jasper
28 Indianola 15,108 Warren

By Amber Pariona

•culled from www.worldatlas.com