The state of Iowa is rich in many aspects, including fertile topsoil, bountiful crops, plenty of scotcharoos and a propensity for Iowa niceness.
But what is actually the richest city in the state? A recent analysis from Stacker, an online publisher, determined the wealthiest city in each state using data from the Census Bureau American Community Survey Five-Year Data.
What is the richest city in Iowa? Look to the Des Moines suburbs
According to Census data, Polk City is the richest city in Iowa. A northern suburb of Des Moines in Polk County, the town has a population of 6,303 people as of July 2023.
Polk City has seen a 13.5% population increase since Census figures in April 2020 estimated it at 5,552.
The median household income in Polk City is $152,536, which is 103% more than the U.S. median income, according to Stacker.
About 25% of households in Polk City earn more than $200,000 annually. The unemployment rate in the town is 3.8%.
“Named after President James K. Polk, Polk City experienced a population boom in the mid-1800s when the newly expanded railroad system brought in a wave of European settlers,” the analysis stated. “The 6,000-acre Saylorville Lake is a water lover’s paradise, and the town boasts 20,000 acres of public land where residents can camp, fish, boat, and spend time in nature. The town has a strong sense of community, with many public events and seasonal festivals.”