Cedar Rapids, Iowa City Named to 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Two Iowa cities earn spots on prestigious national livability ranking.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:38am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a busy city street, with blurred storefronts, pedestrians, and vehicles visible through a hazy, rain-streaked lens, creating a warm, inviting mood.The welcoming, community-focused atmosphere of Cedar Rapids and Iowa City have earned them national recognition as two of the best places to live in the United States.Cedar Rapids Today

Cedar Rapids and Iowa City have been named two of the nation's 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live, according to Livability.com. Cedar Rapids was ranked No. 33 and Iowa City was ranked No. 31 in the list released Tuesday. The rankings focus on small to mid-sized cities with 75,000 to 500,000 residents, using an algorithm to weigh eight categories against each other and select the 100 best places to live.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights the strong quality of life and livability factors that make Cedar Rapids and Iowa City attractive places to live, work, and raise a family. As more people seek smaller, more affordable cities with good amenities, these rankings can help drive economic development and population growth in the region.

The details

Each year, Livability ranks over 2,000 U.S. cities by analyzing nearly 100 data points. These metrics are grouped into eight key categories: economy, housing and cost of living, amenities, transportation, environment, safety, education, and health. Livability says Cedar Rapids earned its spot by excelling in affordability, transportation, and safety, while Iowa City earned its spot due to its incredible arts scene, highly ranked medical care, safe neighborhoods, and quality schools.

  • The 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live list was released on April 8, 2026.
  • Cedar Rapids and Iowa City were also named to the Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Midwest in 2024, with Cedar Rapids ranked No. 11 and Iowa City at No. 17.

The players

Livability.com

A website that ranks U.S. cities based on livability factors such as the economy, housing, amenities, transportation, environment, safety, education, and health.

Cedar Rapids

A city in eastern Iowa with a population of around 130,000, ranked No. 33 on the 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live list.

Iowa City

A city in eastern Iowa with a population of around 75,000, ranked No. 31 on the 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live list.

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The takeaway

The recognition of Cedar Rapids and Iowa City as two of the nation's top places to live underscores the strong quality of life and livability factors that make these Iowa cities attractive destinations for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. As more people seek smaller, more affordable cities with good amenities, these rankings can help drive continued economic and population growth in the region.