Driest Cities in Iowa

Top 86 cities ranked by driest cities

Best Iowa Cities

Composite rankings combining multiple weighted metrics, 4 topics from climate and air quality data.

Best Climate Cities
Warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine and clean air.
Cleanest Air Cities
Lowest pollution levels for healthy outdoor living.
Sunniest Cities
Most days of sunshine per year, with warm and dry climate.
Most Urban Cities
Densely populated city centers with the largest urban footprints.
Population & Density
Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense
Economy
Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Wages Cheapest Cost of Living
Housing
Highest Home Value Most Affordable Highest Rent Lowest Rent Highest Homeownership Newest Housing Lowest Property Tax
Demographics & Education
Most Educated Best Schools Most Graduate Degrees Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Most Veterans
Health & Safety
Safest Cities Highest Crime Healthiest Cities Lowest Smoking Best Doctor Access Best Dental Access
Climate & Air
Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities Snowiest Cities Cleanest Air Worst Air Quality
Quality of Life
Shortest Commute Most Work From Home
Civic & Politics
Most Republican Most Democratic Most Disasters
Geography & Infrastructure
Highest Elevation Best Broadband Most EV Stations Most Libraries Most Restaurants
All Countries  ·  United States  ·  Iowa

Driest Cities - Iowa

1 Spencer 26.8"
2 Spirit Lake 29.1"
3 Estherville 29.3"
4 Sioux City 29.3"
5 Sergeant Bluff 29.3"
6 Sioux Center 29.8"
7 Le Mars 30.0"
8 Orange City 30.1"
9 Sheldon 31.1"
10 Cherokee 31.2"
11 Council Bluffs 31.9"
12 Marshalltown 32.8"
13 Denison 33.6"
14 Carroll 33.7"
15 Storm Lake 33.8"
16 Algona 34.1"
17 Glenwood 34.8"
18 Winterset 34.8"
19 Newton 35.1"
20 Fort Dodge 35.1"
21 Oelwein 35.4"
22 Iowa City 35.7"
23 Tiffin 35.7"
24 Coralville 35.7"
25 North Liberty 35.7"
26 Cedar Rapids 35.9"
27 Nevada 35.9"
28 Ames 35.9"
29 Centerville 36.0"
30 Perry 36.1"
31 Grimes 36.2"
32 Eldridge 36.2"
33 Clear Lake 36.2"
34 Polk City 36.2"
35 Johnston 36.2"
36 Bettendorf 36.2"
37 Davenport 36.2"
38 Waterloo 36.3"
39 Cedar Falls 36.3"
40 Waverly 36.3"
41 Pella 36.3"
42 Clinton 36.4"
43 Waukee 36.5"
44 Clive 36.5"
45 West Des Moines 36.5"
46 Adel 36.5"
47 Norwalk 36.5"
48 Windsor Heights 36.5"
49 Des Moines 36.5"
50 Urbandale 36.5"
51 Pleasant Hill 36.5"
52 Bondurant 36.6"
53 Clarinda 36.6"
54 Altoona 36.6"
55 Maquoketa 36.7"
56 Ottumwa 37.0"
57 Ankeny 37.1"
58 Atlantic 37.1"
59 Red Oak 37.2"
60 Webster City 37.2"
61 Knoxville 37.4"
62 Independence 37.4"
63 Decorah 37.6"
64 Charles City 37.7"
65 Mason City 37.7"
66 Indianola 37.8"
67 Washington 37.9"
68 Creston 37.9"
69 Burlington 37.9"
70 DeWitt 37.9"
71 Iowa Falls 38.1"
72 Asbury 38.2"
73 Grinnell 38.2"
74 Dubuque 38.2"
75 Mount Pleasant 38.4"
76 Fairfield 38.4"
77 Manchester 38.6"
78 Osceola 38.7"
79 Oskaloosa 38.7"
80 Hiawatha 38.8"
81 Marion 38.8"
82 Boone 39.1"
83 Fort Madison 39.4"
84 Keokuk 39.8"
85 Muscatine 40.0"
86 Anamosa 40.2"

The driest cities in Iowa receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Spencer receives just 26.8 inches of precipitation annually.

Dry climates offer benefits including more sunny days, less seasonal affective disorder, lower humidity, and reduced mold and allergen concerns. These cities are often located in the desert Southwest or other arid regions with dramatic natural landscapes.

Water management is a critical concern for the driest cities, many of which rely on distant water sources, desalination, or strict conservation measures. As populations grow in these areas, sustainable water use and drought resilience become increasingly important priorities.

Did You Know?

  • 1. Spencer gets just 26.8" of precipitation per year - less than many cities get in a single month.
  • 2. Most of the driest cities are in the desert Southwest, where evaporation often exceeds precipitation by a factor of 10 or more.
  • 3. Water conservation is a way of life in these cities, with many implementing xeriscaping requirements and water usage restrictions.

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