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Burlington, Iowa

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

49
Overall Score

Burlington, Iowa, a historic city nestled along the Mississippi River, offers a blend of small-town charm and scenic beauty. Known for its distinctive Snake Alley, often called the "crookedest street in the world," the city boasts a rich history as a railroad town. People are drawn to Burlington for its relatively affordable cost of living, a strong sense of community, and access to various outdoor recreational opportunities. The city serves as a regional hub for employment, education, and healthcare, striving to maintain its unique character while adapting to modern challenges.

About Iowa

Iowa, located in the Midwest, is characterized by its expansive farmlands and a generally relaxed, community-focused lifestyle. The state's economy is diverse, with major industries including advanced manufacturing, biosciences, finance and insurance, and its foundational agricultural sector, which leads in corn, soybean, ethanol, and pork production. Living in Iowa is notably affordable, with the cost of living, particularly housing, being significantly lower than the national average. The climate is humid continental, featuring hot, humid summers and cold winters, with seasonal precipitation and susceptibility to various natural disasters like snowstorms, floods, and tornadoes.

23,207
Population
$49K
Avg Salary
87
Cost Index
49.0
Quality Score
How this 49/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 40 / 100 40.0 30% 12.0
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 87.0 60.0 25% 15.0
Economy & jobs Median household income: $59,000 Income needed to live here: $64,000 Unemployment rate: 4% 45.1 20% 9.0
Growth No usable reading — dataset average used 56.4 15% 8.5
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 45 / 100 45.0 10% 4.5
Overall score 49.0

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=89), last refreshed 27 September 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Burlington

Featured local businesses in Burlington.

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Quality Scores

Business
45
Livability
65
Affordability
85
Growth
35

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Burlington is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. Overall, the cost of living is approximately 13% lower than the national average. Housing expenses are a significant driver of this affordability, with both rental prices and home purchase costs being considerably less expensive than the national benchmarks. Groceries and utilities also contribute to the lower cost of living, typically falling below national averages. While transportation costs are slightly lower, healthcare expenses in Burlington are reported to be marginally higher than the national average.

Average Rent
$975/mo
Groceries
$400/mo
Transport
$120/mo
Utilities
$180/mo
Healthcare
$250/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$10.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$20.00
Monthly groceries
$400.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

Burlington's economy is primarily driven by industries such as Manufacturing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade. Major employers in the area include companies like CNH Industrial America, Federal Mogul Ignition Products, and Great River Medical Center, alongside various retail establishments. However, the city has experienced a decline in employment, with a negative job growth rate observed from 2023 to 2024. The average individual salary in Burlington was reported at $48,716 as of September 2026, with the median household income standing at $59,000 in 2024. The unemployment rate in Burlington was 4.0% in March 2026, which is slightly below the national average.

The average salary in Burlington is $48,716 per year. You would need approximately $64,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +0.20% Manufacturing +-0.97% Education +0.10% Health Care & Social Assistance +0.50% Public Administration +0.00%

Climate

🌡️
55°F
Avg Temp
☀️
85°F
Summer High
❄️
19°F
Winter Low
🌧️
28.40"
Annual Rain
💧
%
Humidity
🌤️
271
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Burlington primarily relies on personal vehicles, with a high car dependency reflected by the fact that 80.2% of workers drove alone to work in 2024. The average commute time for residents is a relatively short 16 minutes. While public transportation is minimal, the Burlington Urban Service (BUS) provides transit services six days a week, including routes to key locations like Great River Medical Center. Burlington has a walkability score of 41, indicating that some areas, particularly Downtown and the South Hill Historic District, are pedestrian-friendly. The city is considered somewhat bikeable, with a bike score of 37, though bike infrastructure is minimal.

16 min
Avg Commute
30.00/10
Transit Score
41.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
The cost of living in Burlington is significantly lower than the national average, particularly for housing.
Burlington offers abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including parks, riverfront access, and trails.
The average commute time is short, at approximately 16 minutes.
The city's downtown area has undergone revitalization, offering a growing selection of restaurants and bars.
Year-over-year crime rates have shown a significant decrease, with overall crime down 21%.
Drawbacks
Burlington is experiencing a declining population, projected to decrease by -0.55% annually.
The city has a negative job growth rate, with employment declining from 2023 to 2024.
Overall crime rates are higher than both the state and national averages, with a safety grade of 'D'.
Public transportation options are minimal, leading to high car dependency.
Healthcare costs are slightly higher than the national average.

Questions about Burlington

What people ask about living in and moving to Burlington, Iowa.

What are some popular outdoor activities in Burlington? Things to Do 1 answer

Burlington offers a variety of outdoor attractions such as riverfront parks, bike trails, and nearby state parks. Activities include hiking, kayaking, fishing, and seasonal festivals. Local tourism guides and the city’s recreation department provide details on trail maps, event calendars, and park amenities.

How does the cost of living in Burlington compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Burlington’s cost of living index is 87, meaning expenses are about 13% lower than the national average. Housing, groceries, and utilities are typically cheaper, so a salary of $48,716 per year should comfortably cover basic living costs, though you may want to adjust for personal spending habits.

How are the public schools in Burlington rated? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public schools in Burlington generally receive mixed reviews, with some districts performing above average and others below. Performance can vary by school, so it’s best to visit the district’s website for detailed report cards, graduation rates, and student-teacher ratios. Visiting schools personally can also give a sense of the environment.

What industries are most common for employment in Burlington? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Burlington’s economy includes manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and education. Many jobs are in production, assembly, and support services. To explore current openings, check local job boards, the city’s economic development portal, or professional networking sites that list positions in the region.

Is Burlington a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Burlington’s safety score is 40 out of 100, which is below the national average. This indicates a higher incidence of certain crimes compared to other cities. Residents often report feeling safe in residential neighborhoods, but it’s wise to review recent crime statistics on the city’s public safety portal and talk to locals about specific areas.

What public transportation options are available in Burlington? Getting Around 1 answer

The city offers a modest public transit system that includes bus routes covering key residential and commercial areas. Schedules and route maps are posted on the city transit authority’s website, and fares are generally affordable. For longer commutes, many residents use personal vehicles or carpooling services.

What should I know about moving into Burlington during winter? Moving Here 1 answer

Winter in Burlington can bring cold temperatures and occasional snow. When moving, ensure you have proper insulation, winter tires, and a plan for snow removal. Movers often recommend scheduling the move for midweek to avoid holiday traffic and checking weather forecasts to plan travel times.

Are there good healthcare facilities in Burlington? Healthcare 1 answer

Burlington has several healthcare facilities that provide primary care, specialty services, and emergency care. These include hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers. Information on services, provider directories, and patient reviews can be found on the city’s health department website or through local medical association listings.

What is the overall vibe of Burlington for families? General 1 answer

Burlington is often described as a small-town community with a mix of rural charm and urban amenities. Families appreciate the local parks, community events, and schools. The city’s demographic mix and community organizations foster a welcoming environment, though some residents note a slower pace compared to larger cities.

What is the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Burlington? Housing 1 answer

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Burlington is $975 per month. This figure reflects the typical market rate for modest, single-family homes and small apartments in the area. You can find current listings and variations in price on local rental sites or by contacting real estate agents who specialize in the city.

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Burlington? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.
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