Driest Cities in Iowa

Top 85 cities ranked by driest cities

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All Countries · United States · Iowa

Driest Cities — Iowa

1 Cedar Rapids 26.6"

2 Des Moines 27.4"

3 Spirit Lake 29.1"

4 Orange City 29.9"

5 Sioux Center 29.9"

6 Le Mars 30.0"

7 Sergeant Bluff 30.3"

8 Davenport 30.3"

9 Sioux City 30.3"

10 Spencer 31.0"

11 Sheldon 31.1"

12 Cherokee 31.2"

13 Estherville 31.7"

14 Council Bluffs 31.9"

15 Denison 33.6"

16 Carroll 33.7"

17 Storm Lake 33.8"

18 Algona 34.1"

19 Winterset 34.8"

20 Glenwood 34.8"

21 Fort Dodge 35.1"

22 Newton 35.1"

23 Iowa City 35.7"

24 Coralville 35.7"

25 North Liberty 35.7"

26 Tiffin 35.7"

27 Ames 35.9"

28 Centerville 36.0"

29 Perry 36.1"

30 Adel 36.1"

31 Urbandale 36.2"

32 Polk City 36.2"

33 Grimes 36.2"

34 Johnston 36.2"

35 Clear Lake 36.3"

36 Mason City 36.3"

37 Cedar Falls 36.3"

38 Waverly 36.3"

39 Clinton 36.5"

40 Nevada 36.5"

41 Windsor Heights 36.6"

42 Waukee 36.6"

43 West Des Moines 36.6"

44 Clive 36.6"

45 Pleasant Hill 36.6"

46 Altoona 36.6"

47 Bondurant 36.6"

48 Clarinda 36.7"

49 Maquoketa 36.7"

50 Ottumwa 37.0"

51 Ankeny 37.1"

52 Bettendorf 37.1"

53 Atlantic 37.1"

54 Webster City 37.2"

55 Red Oak 37.2"

56 Knoxville 37.5"

57 Decorah 37.6"

58 Charles City 37.7"

59 Indianola 37.8"

60 Norwalk 37.8"

61 Burlington 37.9"

62 Marshalltown 37.9"

63 Creston 37.9"

64 Eldridge 37.9"

65 DeWitt 37.9"

66 Waterloo 37.9"

67 Washington 37.9"

68 Iowa Falls 38.1"

69 Grinnell 38.2"

70 Dubuque 38.2"

71 Fairfield 38.4"

72 Mount Pleasant 38.5"

73 Manchester 38.6"

74 Oskaloosa 38.7"

75 Pella 38.7"

76 Osceola 38.7"

77 Marion 38.8"

78 Hiawatha 38.8"

79 Asbury 38.8"

80 Boone 39.1"

81 Independence 39.2"

82 Fort Madison 39.4"

83 Keokuk 39.8"

84 Muscatine 40.0"

85 Anamosa 40.2"

The driest cities in Iowa receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Cedar Rapids receives just 26.6 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. Cedar Rapids gets just 26.6" 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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