Smallest Cities in Iowa

Top 86 cities ranked by smallest cities

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All Countries · United States · Iowa

Smallest Cities — Iowa

1 Iowa Falls 5,062

2 Sergeant Bluff 5,090

3 Glenwood 5,118

4 Manchester 5,144

5 Cherokee 5,157

6 Windsor Heights 5,171

7 Tiffin 5,271

8 Clarinda 5,366

9 Centerville 5,377

10 Winterset 5,384

11 Sheldon 5,386

12 Algona 5,414

13 Spirit Lake 5,469

14 Osceola 5,495

15 DeWitt 5,535

16 Red Oak 5,542

17 Anamosa 5,553

18 Polk City 5,833

19 Estherville 5,865

20 Oelwein 5,878

21 Asbury 5,949

22 Maquoketa 6,105

23 Independence 6,149

24 Adel 6,259

25 Orange City 6,312

26 Eldridge 6,743

27 Atlantic 6,773

28 Nevada 6,952

29 Hiawatha 7,178

30 Washington 7,314

31 Charles City 7,321

32 Creston 7,466

33 Knoxville 7,493

34 Decorah 7,597

35 Clear Lake 7,603

36 Webster City 7,769

37 Perry 7,928

38 Bondurant 8,061

39 Denison 8,247

40 Sioux Center 8,335

41 Mount Pleasant 9,093

42 Fairfield 9,438

43 Grinnell 9,527

44 Keokuk 9,748

45 Fort Madison 10,221

46 Carroll 10,261

47 Waverly 10,446

48 Le Mars 10,597

49 Pella 10,624

50 Pleasant Hill 10,796

51 Storm Lake 11,275

52 Spencer 11,393

53 Oskaloosa 11,492

54 Boone 12,445

55 Norwalk 13,610

56 Newton 15,696

57 Grimes 15,810

58 Indianola 15,918

59 Clive 18,776

60 Altoona 20,592

61 North Liberty 20,782

62 Coralville 22,846

63 Muscatine 23,567

64 Burlington 23,800

65 Johnston 24,196

66 Clinton 24,425

67 Fort Dodge 24,788

68 Ottumwa 25,352

69 Waukee 26,974

70 Mason City 27,135

71 Marshalltown 27,491

72 Bettendorf 39,297

73 Cedar Falls 40,662

74 Marion 41,690

75 Urbandale 46,026

76 Dubuque 59,271

77 Council Bluffs 62,564

78 Ames 66,112

79 Waterloo 66,947

80 West Des Moines 69,893

81 Ankeny 70,542

82 Iowa City 75,264

83 Sioux City 85,651

84 Davenport 101,083

85 Cedar Rapids 136,859

86 Des Moines 212,464

The smallest cities in Iowa (with populations above 5,000) offer a different quality of life compared to major metropolitan areas. Iowa Falls has a population of just 5,062. These communities often feature lower costs of living, stronger neighborhood connections, and less congestion.

Small cities can offer significant advantages for residents seeking affordable housing, shorter commutes, and a close-knit community feel. Many serve as regional centers for surrounding rural areas, providing essential services while maintaining a small-town atmosphere.

Despite their smaller size, many of these cities have thriving local economies, good school systems, and access to outdoor recreation. They represent an alternative to the fast-paced lifestyle of major metropolitan areas.

Did You Know?

1. At 5,062 residents, Iowa Falls is smaller than a single large apartment complex in New York City.
2. Small cities (5,000-10,000) make up the majority of incorporated places in the United States.
3. Many of the smallest cities serve as county seats or regional service centers for surrounding rural communities.

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