Small city in Brazoria County, part of the Houston metro

Living in Iowa Colony, TX

A-

33rd of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 84 of 100
25th of 125 in the Houston area

Iowa Colony gets an overall grade of A- and ranks 33rd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on internet access and jobs and income, and trails on getting around and health. It is a strong pick for families and remote workers.

  • Good for families
  • Good for remote workers
  • Fast-growing
  • Well connected
  • Getting around scores low (0 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Iowa Colony isSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthIowa Colony
Where Iowa Colony is in Texas.
Population
20,503+152.8% since 2020
Median rent
$2,36068% higher than Texas
Median home value
$405,70043% higher than Texas
Household income
$144,092Median
Average commute
36 minOne way
Violent crime
103Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Iowa Colony

Iowa Colony sits about 24 miles from downtown Houston, in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands metro. 20,503 people lived here in 2025, up 152.8% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is spread out, with mostly newer homes (the median home was built in 2015).

The median age is 34.7, 46% of households have children, 96% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $144,092 a year (84% higher than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Iowa Colony

  • Low violent crime. 103 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 74% lower than the Texas rate.
  • High incomes. The median household earns $144,092, 84% higher than the Texas median.
  • Growing fast. The population grew 153% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.

Cons of living in Iowa Colony

  • Higher rent. Median rent is $2,360, 68% higher than the Texas median.
  • Long commutes. The average trip to work takes 36 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
  • Long, hot summers. Expect about 122 days a year at 90°F or hotter.

Who Iowa Colony suits

  • FamiliesA strong fit: 75% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 74% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 84% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 84% higher than the Texas median, with 10 restaurants and 2 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 73% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA strong fit: 17% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 74% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 76% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA strong fit: 99% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $2,360 is 68% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 98% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA strong fit: the median rent of $2,360 is 68% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 79% for people on a budget.

Iowa Colony report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Iowa Colony with other US cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade B

    Median rent $2,360, homes cost 2.8x income.

    70 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade A-

    Median household income $144,092, 4.9% unemployed.

    80 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade B

    4 rated campuses, 75% rated A or B.

    69 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade B+

    103 violent crimes per 100k, 733 property crimes per 100k.

    79 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: no grade

    0 grocery stores, 10 restaurants, 9 parks mapped in town.

    No score vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade F

    Average commute 36 min, 18% work from home.

    0 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade B+

    49% have a bachelor’s degree.

    75 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade D

    17% of adults uninsured.

    21 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade B-

    96% of homes owner-occupied.

    63 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade A+

    99% of homes have broadband.

    98 of 100 vs US cities

Where Iowa Colony stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 0%52 points lower than Texas (52%)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 96%34 points higher than Texas (63%)
  • Median household income: $144,09284% higher than Texas ($78,476)

Worse than Texas

  • Median rent: $2,36068% higher than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 36 min33% higher than Texas (27 min)
  • Workers who walk, bike or take transit: 0%3 points lower than Texas (2.6%)

Cost of living in Iowa Colony

Iowa Colony renters pay a median of $2,360 a month, 68% higher than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $94,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 0% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,212 for a one-bedroom, $1,319 for a two-bedroom and $1,790 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $405,700, 43% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $2,221 before tax, or $2,994 with property tax. That is $634 a month more than the median rent, so renting is the cheaper monthly choice unless you plan to stay for years.

Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in Iowa Colony pays $9,281 a year, 119% higher than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

See the full cost of living breakdown for Iowa Colony

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in Iowa ColonyStudio$1,0211 bedroom$1,2122 bedrooms$1,3193 bedrooms$1,7904 bedrooms$2,205
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Brazoria County, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent68% higher than Texas$2,360$1,403$1,413
Median home value43% higher than Texas$405,700$283,800$332,700
Home value to income22% lower than Texas2.8x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent52 points lower than Texas0%52%51%
Median property tax per year119% higher than Texas$9,281$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them34 points higher than Texas96%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas201519921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$2,994
Mortgage payment
$2,221
Property tax
$773
Median rent, for comparison
$2,360

Based on a $405,700 home in Iowa Colony, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Iowa Colony safe?

In 2025, Iowa Colony Police Department reported 14 violent crimes and 100 property crimes. That works out to 103 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 74% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 733 property crimes per 100,000, 65% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime has been fairly steady since 2021.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Iowa Colony by yearTexas10320212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
103
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
733
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Iowa Colony by yearTexas73320212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Iowa Colony Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Iowa Colony

Iowa Colony has 4 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 75% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Alvin ISD.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
69
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
85
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • BMeridiana ElementaryElementary, Alvin ISD89 of 100
  • BBel Nafegar Sanchez ElementaryElementary, Alvin ISD87 of 100
  • BIowa Colony High SchoolHigh, Alvin ISD84 of 100
  • CIowa Colony Junior HighMiddle, Alvin ISD78 of 100

Daily life in Iowa Colony

Everyday places mapped inside Iowa Colony, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Iowa Colony City Park at Meridiana.

The average one-way commute is 36 minutes, 33% longer than the Texas average. 18% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

Downtown Houston is about 24 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Iowa Colony work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $144,092, income per person is $50,426, unemployment is 4.9% and 49% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
0
Pharmacies
0
Restaurants
10
Cafes
2
Bars
0
Parks
9
Gyms
4
Hospitals and urgent care
0
Childcare
1
Libraries
0

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income84% higher than Texas$144,092$78,476$80,734
Income per person24% higher than Texas$50,426$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas4.9%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line10 points lower than Texas4.3%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher15 points higher than Texas49%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher9 points higher than Texas95%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance2 points lower than Texas17%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet7 points higher than Texas99%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute33% higher than Texas36 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home3 points higher than Texas18%14%15%
Workers who work from home18%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk0%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Iowa Colony

Under 1830%
18 to 3421%
35 to 6442%
65 and over7.8%

Median age 34.7 years. 46% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White25%
Hispanic or Latino20%
Black45%
Asian3.8%
Other or more than one race5.8%

Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

Weather in Iowa Colony

Iowa Colony has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 92°F and January lows about 43°F. There are about 122 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 50 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Iowa Colony40°60°80°100°63J67F72M79A85M90J92J93A89S82O72N65DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Thompsons 3 Wsw, 12 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

    Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

    Places near Iowa Colony

    Nearby, Arcola gets a D, Sienna gets an A and Manvel gets a C+. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

    1. DArcolaTown, 1,911 people4 mi
    2. ASiennaSmall city, 24,992 people5 mi
    3. C+ManvelSmall city, 14,758 people5 mi
    4. CRosharonTown, 1,737 people6 mi
    5. DFresnoSmall city, 24,560 people7 mi
    6. BMissouri CityCity, 76,558 people8 mi

    Iowa Colony in the Houston area

    How it ranks among 125 places in the metro.

    1. 1A+Taylor Lake Village3,721 people25 mito downtown
    2. 2A+Bunker Hill Village3,829 people9 mito downtown
    3. 3A+West University Place14,982 people6 mito downtown
    4. 22ATiki Island1,210 people44 mito downtown
    5. 23A-Oak Ridge North3,034 people26 mito downtown
    6. 24A-Magnolia4,068 people36 mito downtown
    7. 25A-Iowa Colony12,891 people24 mito downtown
    8. 26A-Pecan Grove24,272 people24 mito downtown
    9. 27A-Richwood4,791 people49 mito downtown
    10. 28A-Nassau Bay5,230 people25 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of houston

    Living in Iowa Colony: common questions

    Is Iowa Colony, TX a good place to live?

    Iowa Colony gets an overall grade of A- and ranks 33rd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on internet access and jobs and income, and trails on getting around and health. It is a strong pick for families and remote workers.

    How much does it cost to live in Iowa Colony?

    Renters in Iowa Colony pay a median of $2,360 a month, 68% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $405,700, 43% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.8x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $2,994, including property tax.

    Is Iowa Colony safe?

    In 2025, Iowa Colony Police Department reported 103 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 74% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 733 per 100,000, 65% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Iowa Colony?

    We found 4 rated public school campuses inside Iowa Colony. 75% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 69 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

    What is the weather like in Iowa Colony?

    Summers in Iowa Colony peak at about 92°F in July, and January nights fall to about 43°F. Expect around 122 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 50 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Iowa Colony?

    The average one-way commute is 36 min, 33% higher than the Texas average. About 18% of workers work from home. It is about 24 miles from downtown Houston.

    Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.