Quality of Life
Iowa has long been renowned for its excellent quality of life. On
July 28, 1998 the Children’s Rights Council rated Iowa the best state in
the nation to raise a child. The state has among the lowest infant mortality
and child death rates in the nation and the fifth-highest graduation rate.
Iowa also has low numbers of drug-induced and alcohol-induced deaths and
the nation’s fifth-lowest crime rate. For more information click here.
Location
Council Bluffs is located on the western edge of Iowa along the Missouri
River in Pottawattamie County. The city extends from the banks of the river
to the rich scenic Loess Hills of Western Iowa. Centered in the heart of
the Midwest, Council Bluffs’ neighbor in the metropolitan area is Omaha,
Nebraska.
Population
The population of the city of Council Bluffs is 56,448 while Pottawattamie
County has a population of 86,045. The state of Iowa has a population of
2,852,423. The city is part of a five-county metropolitan area, including
Cass, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington Counties in Nebraska and Pottawattamie
County in Iowa. The city of Omaha has a population of 351,936, making it
the 48th largest city in the United States. The metro area is the 60th
largest in the nation with a population of 703,900. There are over one
million people who live within 50 miles of Council Bluffs.
Population Growth
Estimates show an increase of 3,417 resident in Pottawattamie County
since 1990. The 1998 population estimate of 86,045 is a 4.1% increase since
1990. The Council Bluffs-Omaha metropolitan area is estimated to have grown
13.9% since 1990.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in the Council Bluffs-Omaha metropolitan area is
well below the national average. In the Second Quarter 1998 general index
that measures the cost of living nationwide, the area was 7.6% below the
national average, and in housing, it was 8.4% below the national average.
Median Income
The median household income for the metropolitan area in 1997 was $38,764.
The median household income for the city of Council Bluffs is $33,383 and
$35,327 for Pottawattamie County. Median household income is the estimated
average amount per household of total money income received during the
calendar year for all persons residing in a jurisdiction.
Government
The City of Council Bluffs is operated under a nonpartisan Mayor/Council
form, with the Mayor and five Council members elected at-large by a popular
vote. The City is an aggressive partner in the economic development process.
Climate
The weather in Council Bluffs will allow you to experience the beauty
of the four seasons. The summers are typically warm and the winters are
a dry cold. Most precipitation occurs between April and September. The
average winter temperature is 24.8 degrees while the average summer temperature
is 73.8 degrees.
Crime Rate
Council Bluffs has a low rate of crime allowing you to focus on your
business instead of the safety and well being of your employees. Its public
safety agencies, including the police and fire department, enjoy the confidence
of its residents. The overall crime rate in the state of Iowa is 22 percent below the national crime rate. For more information click here.
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
Multitudes of quality cultural and recreational offerings are available
in the area. Recreational opportunities include Lake Manawa State Park
and sporting events ranging from Hoop-It-Up to the College World Series.
The area includes over 80 movie theaters, a variety of restaurants, community
theaters, art museums, and the world renowned Henry Doorly Zoo.
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