Iowa Assisted Living

Iowa is a midwestern state with 3+ million people, fairly middle of the road in terms of population for the Midwest. Nebraska, for example, is much smaller while Illinois is far bigger.

Why look for assisted living in Iowa?

Iowa may come across as unassuming in many ways but you would be gravely mistaken if you thought so. It is one of the cheaper states in the Midwest for assisted living, and senior care in general.

In national rankings, it is within the Top 15 for most affordable assisted living in the country, making it reasonably priced for most families. Even then, there are methods to receive financial help (more information, below).

Iowa Assisted Living - Cost

The Top 5 Most Affordable Places for Assisted Living in Iowa per month:

1. Oelwein, IA - $3,520
2. Fort Dodge, IA - $3,535
3. Atlantic, IA - $3,575          
4. Pomeroy, IA - $3,585
5. Burlington, IA - $3,600

The Top 5 Most Expensive Cities and Towns for Assisted Living in Iowa:

1. Robins, IA - $4,450
2. Johnston, IA - $4,340
3. Waukee, IA - $4,305
4. Clive, IA - $4,300    
5. Adel, IA - $4,220

The Top 5 Most Affordable Counties in Iowa for Assisted Living per month:

1. Fayette County - $3,515
2. Webster County - $3,540
3. Cass County - $3,570
4. Calhoun County - $3,580
5. Des Moines County - $3,585

The Top 5 Most Expensive Counties in Iowa for Assisted Living:

1. Dallas County - $4,270
2. Polk County - $4,045
3. Dickinson County - $4,010
4. Dubuque County - $3,965
5. Marion County - $3,965

Types of Assisted Living Available in Iowa

Iowa offers over 650 different properties dedicated primarily, or specifically to assisted living types including supervisory care, personal care, and directed personal care.

Des Moines is the largest city in Iowa and has the most variety of care and types of assisted living in Iowa.

The Illinois average for assisted living rent is a little over $3,600 per month, though more affordable types of housing are spread out throughout the land.

Services can range based on type of treatment, including residential care institutions with adult foster care that provide the most specialized, hands-on approach.

Paying for Assisted Living in Iowa

Iowa provides two primary types of financial incentive programs for seniors who need help paying for senior care, though one is only truly applicable. The HCBS Elderly Waiver is a state-funded program that helps cover part or all of the bill for assisted living.
The Health and Disability Waiver is noteworthy, yet since the option is only available for retirees 65 or under it generally doesn’t apply to most cases of assisted living, where average resident age is over 80.

Don't see your city/town/village on the list? Please use our search bar at the top of the page to search through 674 senior living options from 256 cities, towns and villages in Iowa. Simply enter your city name or zip code.