City Profile
Sioux City, Iowa
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Sioux City, Iowa, is a vibrant regional hub located in the tri-state area of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota along the banks of the Missouri River. Founded in 1854, the city has a rich history tied to westward expansion, river trade, and meatpacking, evolving into a modern economic center for northwest Iowa. Today, it combines a welcoming Midwestern charm with a diverse population, offering residents a balanced lifestyle enriched by cultural festivals, historic architecture, and expansive park systems. People are drawn to Sioux City for its strong sense of community, lower cost of living, and steady employment opportunities across manufacturing, healthcare, and food processing.
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.
How this 65/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 30% | 20.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 88.0 | 58.8 | 25% | 14.7 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $62,500 Income needed to live here: $45,000 Unemployment rate: 3.2% | 79.3 | 20% | 15.9 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.5% Job growth rate: 1.5% | 43.8 | 15% | 6.6 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 | 70.0 | 10% | 7.0 |
| Overall score | 64.5 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 October 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.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Sioux City is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for families, young professionals, and retirees looking to stretch their budgets. Housing costs, in particular, remain quite affordable compared to coastal metropolitan areas, with both renting and homeownership offering substantial value for money. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation also trend below national medians, alleviating financial pressure on residents. While specialized goods and services align closer to regional norms, the overall economic environment ensures that disposable income goes further here than in larger US metros.
Income
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Sioux City features a resilient and diverse economy anchored by robust manufacturing, food processing, healthcare, and logistics sectors. Major employers like Tyson Foods, MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center, and UnityPoint Health drive steady job creation and provide stable employment opportunities for the region. The city's strategic location along major transportation corridors, including Interstate 29 and the Missouri River, supports its role as a key distribution and trade center. While traditional industries dominate, a growing emphasis on small business development and workforce training continues to diversify the local labor market.
The average salary in Sioux City is $56,000 per year. You would need approximately $45,000 to live comfortably.
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Getting around Sioux City is primarily centered on automobile travel, with an efficient grid system and major highways ensuring manageable commute times. The Sioux City Transit system provides public bus routes across key commercial and residential areas, supporting mobility for those who rely on public transit. Walkability is favorable in specific downtown and commercial districts, though a car remains essential for most daily errands and suburban commutes. Sioux Gateway Airport offers regional commercial flight connections, while regional highways link travelers easily to Omaha, Des Moines, and Sioux Falls.
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