What are the largest metro areas in Iowa?
Omaha, NE-IA is the largest metro area in Iowa, with 1,009,836 residents in 2025 (Census PEP). Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA (758,539) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL (380,452) come next.
Data as of 2025 · updated
All 8 ranked Iowa metro areas
| Rank | Metro area | Residents 2025 | Change 2020–25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Omaha, NE-IA | 1,009,836 | +4.2% |
| 2 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 758,539 | +6.7% |
| 3 | Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 380,452 | −0.9% |
| 4 | Cedar Rapids, IA | 279,285 | +1.0% |
| 5 | Iowa City, IA | 182,711 | +4.0% |
| 6 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | 169,189 | +0.5% |
| 7 | Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | 145,738 | +1.0% |
| 8 | Ames, IA | 128,090 | +2.2% |
How this is ranked
The Census Bureau's July 1 resident population estimates for 2025, largest first, with the change since 2020. Only metropolitan statistical areas of two or more counties are ranked (OMB Bulletin 23-01): a one-county area's figures are its county's, and micro areas are left out. An area that crosses a state line is ranked in each of its states. Areas without an estimate for the same year as the others are not ranked.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program (Vintage 2025). Figures come from public federal statistics and are informational only, not investment advice. Check the source before relying on a number. Methodology: how ranks and figures are built.
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Questions
What is the largest metro area in Iowa?
Omaha, NE-IA is the largest metro area in Iowa, with 1,009,836 residents in 2025 (Census PEP). Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA (758,539) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL (380,452) come next.
How is this ranking calculated?
The Census Bureau's July 1 resident population estimates for 2025, largest first, with the change since 2020. Only metropolitan statistical areas of two or more counties are ranked (OMB Bulletin 23-01): a one-county area's figures are its county's, and micro areas are left out. An area that crosses a state line is ranked in each of its states. Areas without an estimate for the same year as the others are not ranked.