Where Is Iowa? See Its Map Location and Surrounding States

If you’re looking to explore the great American Midwest region, you’re going to want to check out Iowa. This beautiful, landlocked state is known for its agricultural scene, producing some of the largest amounts of corn in the nation. But there’s more to the Hawkeye State than just crops. Let’s look at Iowa’s location, the states that border it, and more.

Where is Iowa Located on the Map?

Iowa is nestled in the Midwest region of the United States of America. Six states border it, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota. It’s in the northern half of the United States. Here’s its precise location on a map:

When Did Iowa Officially Join the United States?

Iowa is the 29th state to officially join the United States. It became a state on December 28, 1846. That’s almost 200 years ago! President James K. Polk was the leader of the nation at the time and signed Iowa’s official statehood. Some of its present-day neighbors weren’t yet states, including Minnesota, which didn’t become a state until 1858.

Is Iowa a Good Place to Live?

Absolutely. In fact, Iowa is thought to be the 11th best state to live in America. Much of the Midwest is high on the list, for affordable cost of living, safe neighborhoods, and good schools. The state features a particularly low cost of living, coming in at 16% below the national average. That means you can get a significant bang for your buck living in the state.

Iowa also has a very low crime rate, making it a safe spot for families. The state’s largest industry is agriculture, so if you’re looking to gain a job in the farming industry, you and your family are sure to be secure in the state. Additionally, schools in Iowa are a big deal, and you can expect to send your children to fantastic educational institutions.

Finally, Iowa is known for its kind Midwestern culture. Neighbors are friendly, and you can expect to have a community built on kindness. People are helpful, so if you’re making a move to the state, you can anticipate folks lending a hand to help you and your family get acclimated to the community.

What is the Climate in Iowa?

Another draw of Iowa is its climate. Iowa has all four seasons, so if you’re a lover of change, it’s a wonderful place to live. Fall is the prettiest time of the year, with moderate temperatures and pretty changing colors.

You can expect precipitation throughout the year, with snow in the winter and rain during the spring, summer, and fall. If you’re hesitant about the cold, Iowa may not be a great fit, but it’s certainly not the most extreme winters in the Midwest. Winter averages in the northern region are around 14 degrees Fahrenheit, while the southern part of the state averages around 20 degrees.

4 Fun Facts About Iowa

Now that you know Iowa’s location and what the living conditions and climate are like, let’s take a look at some fun facts about the state!

1. Iowa is home to some awesome universities.

While the state boasts stellar K-12 schools, there are also some great opportunities for higher education within Iowa. There are three state schools within Iowa: Iowa State University, University of Iowa, and University of Northern Iowa. They have a wide variety of programs, perfect for you and your kids.

2. Iowa doesn’t just produce corn.

While Iowa is known for its contributions to America’s corn industry, the state’s agricultural scene goes beyond corn. In fact, the state is a leader in soybeans, cattle, and hogs. The state is also a major ethanol producer. Overall, Iowa has a broad variety of important agricultural products.

3. Iowa is a leader in the United States’ wind industry.

Iowa doesn’t just contribute to energy through agriculture. The state is also a leader in the wind energy sector. As of 2022, there were 6,000 wind turbines in the state. Iowa is the second-largest wind producer in the United States, behind Texas.

4. Iowa is home to some wonderful wildlife.

The state, like much of the Midwest, isn’t home to too many eccentric types of animals. However, the state boasts bobcats, deer, rabbits, and more! A wide variety of birds live here, and the state bird is the beautiful American goldfinch.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Icons8, belterz from Getty Images Signature/ via Canva.com