Thursday - October 16th, 2025
×

What can we help you find?

Open Menu

OnCouncilBluffs.com

Council Bluffs, IA
★ Available

Discover the charm of Council Bluffs, a city rich in history and vibrant community life.

👥
63K Population
💰
$60K Median Income
🏠
$185K Median Home Price
📍
44 Square Miles

About Council Bluffs, IA

Council Bluffs, nestled along the eastern bank of the Missouri River in Iowa, is a city known for its deep historical roots and welcoming community. Founded in the 1800s, it played a pivotal role in the westward expansion as a significant transportation hub. Today, Council Bluffs boasts a burgeoning local economy with industries ranging from manufacturing to retail. Its proximity to Omaha, Nebraska, provides residents with a unique metropolitan feel while maintaining the charm of a small Midwestern town.

Culturally, Council Bluffs is home to a number of historical landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods. The city's community spirit is evident in its numerous annual events such as fairs and local festivals that celebrate its rich heritage and community ties. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy the city's extensive parks, trails, and recreational facilities which offer outdoor enthusiasts ample opportunities for adventure. Notably, the city's redevelopment efforts have led to a revitalized downtown, featuring arts, dining, and entertainment options that cater to diverse tastes.

Economic development is a cornerstone of Council Bluffs, with established businesses and new ventures contributing to a robust job market. The city's strategic location near major highways and interstates aids in business logistics and transportation, while fostering job growth and development in sectors such as logistics, retail, and health services. Council Bluffs offers an appealing lifestyle with a low cost of living and comprehensive services, making it a desirable place to live, work, and explore.

Quality of Life Scores

Data-driven insights into what makes Council Bluffs special

40
🚶 Walkability
42
🛡️ Safety
52
🍽️ Food Scene
60
🎭 Arts & Culture
47
🌙 Nightlife
50
⚽ Sports Culture
15
🌬️ Air Quality
75
🚗 Traffic Flow

Quality of life scores are aggregated from publicly available data sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, EPA Air Quality Index, walkability studies, and local municipal data. Scores are calculated on a 0-100 scale and updated periodically to reflect current conditions.

Demographics & Economy

Understanding the community and economic landscape

👥

Demographics

Median Age 37.2 years
Diversity Index 70.0%

Council Bluffs is a diverse community with a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees, known for its friendly, small-town atmosphere.

💼

Economy

Median Income $60,123
Unemployment Rate 3.1%
Job Growth Rate 2.4%

Strong economic foundation driven by diverse industries including manufacturing, retail, transportation, healthcare, education.

🏠

Housing

Median Home Price $185,000
Cost of Living Index 89
Rent/Own Ratio 42.5%

Real estate market offers opportunities for residents and investors with balanced housing options across neighborhoods.

Education Excellence

World-class learning opportunities and achievements

🎓

Education Levels

Bachelor's Degree or Higher 23.1%
High School Graduation Rate 91.3%
College Enrollment Rate 65.4%
🏫

Institutions

  • Schools: 23
  • Universities: 1
  • Libraries: 2
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15.7:1

Sports & Entertainment

Home to professional and collegiate athletics

College & Development

Minor League
USHL: Tri-City Storm (Omaha Lancers play in Omaha, NE)
🏟️

Major Venues

Mid-America Center: 9,000

Transportation & Infrastructure

Getting around Council Bluffs

🚗

Roads & Highways

Major Highways: I-29, I-80, US-6, US-275

Average Commute: 18 minutes

🚇

Public Transit

Metro Transit

✈️

Airports

OMA - Eppley Airfield

Places & Attractions

Discover what makes Council Bluffs unique

🏛️

Landmarks

  • Historic General Dodge House
  • Lewis and Clark Monument Park
  • Squirrel Cage Jail
  • 100 Block Historic District
🎢

Attractions

  • Union Pacific Railroad Museum
  • Bayliss Park
  • Mid-America Center
  • Lake Manawa State Park
  • Horseshoe Casino
🖼️

Museums

  • Union Pacific Railroad Museum
  • RailsWest Railroad Museum
  • Bluffs Arts Council
🌳

Parks

  • Lake Manawa State Park
  • Bayliss Park
  • Big Lake Park
  • Fairmount Park
🏥

Healthcare

  • CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs
  • Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital

Key Industries

Economic drivers powering Council Bluffs

Manufacturing Retail Transportation Healthcare Education

Living Here

Essential information about life in Council Bluffs

🌤️

Climate & Geography

Climate: Humid Continental

Elevation: 982 feet

Time Zone: America/Chicago

County: Pottawattamie County

Metro Area: Omaha-Council Bluffs NE-IA Metro Area

📞

Contact Information

Area Code: 712

ZIP Codes: 51501, 51503

Location

Find Council Bluffs on the map

Acquire This Complete Media Portal

Turn-key local media platform ready for launch. Contact us to discuss acquisition opportunities.