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The schools are bursting and a new elementary school is being built. Unfortunately, the Census has stopped reporting at the city level, so this report reflects the most recent data.
The city with the highest rate of same-sex houesholds in Iowa is North Liberty. are in such close proximity to much of the city.
Review Where You Live
The current population in North Liberty is 20,782.
Outdoorsy types will revel in hiking, biking, and fishing across this scenic state. The Chamber also co-hosted and participated in numerous events with our Community Partners across Iowa.
business industries represented
The Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce’s business members represent over 40 industries including accounting, retail, entertainment, fitness, construction management, marketing, interior design, pharmacy, real estate, restaurants, law, insurance, and home health care.
CERTIFIED LGBT BUSINESS ENTERPRISES
In 2024 the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce has helped a total of 10 small businesses in Iowa become nationally certified as LGBT Business Enterprises and Diverse Suppliers (LGBTBE).
BUSINESS, CORPORATE PARTNERS, COMMUNITY PARTNERS, AND INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
In 2024, membership in the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce rose to 137, including LGBTQ- and Ally-owned businesses, individuals, community partners, and corporate partners.
Cedar Rapids and Iowa City launch of the Chamber
On December 7, 2023, the Chamber held a launch event in New Liberty featuring guest speakers; Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague, Iowa Rep.
Aime Wichtendahl, and Iowa Senator Liz Bennet.
CERTIFIED LGBT BUSINESS ENTERPRISES
In 2024 the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce has helped a total of 3 small businesses in Iowa become nationally certified as LGBT Business Enterprises and Diverse Suppliers (LGBTBE).
PUBLIC LAUNCH OF THE IOWA LGBTQ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
On October 18, 2023, the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce officially launched in Des Moines, IA with speakers Rob Sand (Iowa State Auditor) and Brennan McNell (VP, Corporate Relations, NGLCC).
Membership in the Chamber is an investment in the growth of your business and in Iowa’s LGBTQ-owned and allied business community.
Historical and festival-filled Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and Dubuque each cast their own spell, blending past and present with Midwestern warmth.
But Iowa’s greatest charm may be its progressive, welcoming spirit. The data comes from the American Community Survey 2013-2018 vintage, which breaks down sex by household status.
The population has increased 74.8% from 2010.
| Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 20,782 | 1.9% |
| 2022 | 20,393 | 2.1% |
| 2021 | 19,976 | 4.3% |
| 2020 | 19,159 | 1.8% |
| 2019 | 18,829 | 2.6% |
| 2018 | 18,357 | 3.6% |
| 2017 | 17,721 | 4.3% |
| 2016 | 16,984 | 13.4% |
| 2015 | 14,972 | 3.2% |
| 2014 | 14,503 | 4.0% |
| 2013 | 13,944 | 4.6% |
| 2012 | 13,330 | 6.1% |
| 2011 | 12,564 | 5.7% |
| 2010 | 11,889 | - |
African American
4.6% (949)79.6% White with 16,537 White residents.
4.6% African American with 949 African American residents.
0.0% American Indian with 6 American Indian residents.
4.9% Asian with 1,019 Asian residents.
0.1% Hawaiian with 11 Hawaiian residents.
0.0% Other with 0 Other residents.
5.1% Two Or More with 1,057 Two Or More residents.
5.8% Hispanic with 1,203 Hispanic residents.
| Race | North Liberty | IA | USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 79.6% | 83.1% | 58.2% |
| African American | 4.6% | 3.8% | 12.0% |
| American Indian | 0.0% | 0.2% | 0.5% |
| Asian | 4.9% | 2.4% | 5.7% |
| Hawaiian | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.2% |
| Other | 0.0% | 0.2% | 0.5% |
| Two Or More | 5.1% | 3.2% | 3.9% |
| Hispanic | 5.8% | 7.0% | 19.0% |
North Liberty is 47.7% female with 9,909 female residents.
North Liberty is 52.3% male with 10,872 male residents.
| Gender | North Liberty | IA | USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female | 47.7% | 49.9% | 50.5% |
| Male | 52.3% | 50.1% | 49.5% |
1.0% of adults in North Liberty completed < 9th grade.
1.0% of adults in North Liberty completed 9-12th grade.
11.0% of adults in North Liberty completed high school / ged.
21.0% of adults in North Liberty completed some college.
13.0% of adults in North Liberty completed associate's degree.
33.0% of adults in North Liberty completed bachelor's degree.
14.0% of adults in North Liberty completed master's degree.
4.0% of adults in North Liberty completed professional degree.
2.0% of adults in North Liberty completed doctorate degree.
< 9th Grade
1.0% (207)High School / GED
11.0% (2,286)Some College
21.0% (4,364)Associate's Degree
13.0% (2,701)Bachelor's Degree
33.0% (6,858)Master's Degree
14.0% (2,909)Professional Degree
4.0% (831)Doctorate Degree
2.0% (415)| Education | North Liberty | IA | USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 9th Grade | 1.0% | 3.0% | 5.0% |
| 9-12th Grade | 1.0% | 4.0% | 6.0% |
| High School / GED | 11.0% | 30.0% | 26.0% |
| Some College | 21.0% | 20.0% | 19.0% |
| Associate's Degree | 13.0% | 12.0% | 9.0% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 33.0% | 21.0% | 21.0% |
| Master's Degree | 14.0% | 7.0% | 10.0% |
| Professional Degree | 4.0% | 2.0% | 2.0% |
| Doctorate Degree | 2.0% | 1.0% | 2.0% |
1.9% of households in North Liberty earn Less than $10,000.
1.0% of households in North Liberty earn $10,000 to $14,999.
2.2% of households in North Liberty earn $15,000 to $24,999.
3.3% of households in North Liberty earn $25,000 to $34,999.
6.8% of households in North Liberty earn $35,000 to $49,999.
16.1% of households in North Liberty earn $50,000 to $74,999.
16.0% of households in North Liberty earn $75,000 to $99,999.
24.4% of households in North Liberty earn $100,000 to $149,999.
13.3% of households in North Liberty earn $150,000 to $199,999.
15.1% of households in North Liberty earn $200,000 or more.
Less than $10,000
1.9% (38,854)$10,000 to $14,999
1.0% (20,758)$15,000 to $24,999
2.2% (44,975)$25,000 to $34,999
3.3% (68,395)$35,000 to $49,999
6.8% (141,846)$50,000 to $74,999
16.1% (335,322)$75,000 to $99,999
16.0% (331,862)$100,000 to $149,999
24.4% (507,507)$150,000 to $199,999
13.3% (275,709)$200,000 or more
15.1% (312,967)| Income | North Liberty | IA | USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $10,000 | 1.9% | 4.0% | 4.9% |
| $10,000 to $14,999 | 1.0% | 3.4% | 3.6% |
| $15,000 to $24,999 | 2.2% | 7.0% | 6.6% |
| $25,000 to $34,999 | 3.3% | 7.3% | 6.8% |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 6.8% | 11.7% | 10.4% |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 16.1% | 17.8% | 15.7% |
| $75,000 to $99,999 | 16.0% | 14.1% | 12.7% |
| $100,000 to $149,999 | 24.4% | 18.4% | 17.4% |
| $150,000 to $199,999 | 13.3% | 8.4% | 9.3% |
| $200,000 or more | 15.1% | 8.0% | 12.6% |
Enjoy The Snack?
Beyond its iconic cornfields, Iowa wows visitors with natural splendors, from the Loess Hills to the Mississippi River.
Its prestigious writing workshops have generated dozens of Pulitzer winners.
The capital Des Moines tempts with an impressive art center, cool sculpture park and a rising foodie reputation. Based on the most recently available data, we found the following about life in North Liberty:
The population in North Liberty is 20,782.
The median home value in North Liberty is $302,211.
The median income in North Liberty is $103,933.
The cost of living in North Liberty is 105 which is 1.1x higher than the national average.
Biking is an option because of a great trail, and also because two grocery stores, banks, rec center, gym, post office, car repair.... According to the facts, North Liberty is the gayest place in Iowa for 2025.
For more on how we calculated the top ten, and for more information about these places, read on.
For more Iowa reading, check out:
Source: Wikipedia User American007 (talk) | CC BY-SA 3.0
Households: 7,075
Gay Households: 139 (3rd highest)
% Gay Households: 2.43% (1st highest)
More on North Liberty:Data
Households: 1,547
Gay Households: 14 (30th highest)
% Gay Households: 1.81% (2nd highest)
More on Carlisle:
Households: 1,779
Gay Households: 15 (26th highest)
% Gay Households: 1.69% (3rd highest)
More on Sergeant Bluff:
Households: 1,111
Gay Households: 13 (35th highest)
% Gay Households: 1.44% (4th highest)
More on Belmond:
Households: 1,992
Gay Households: 14 (30th highest)
% Gay Households: 1.41% (5th highest)
More on Bondurant:
Households: 2,160
Gay Households: 14 (30th highest)
% Gay Households: 1.3% (6th highest)
More on Windsor Heights:
Households: 1,003
Gay Households: 6 (45th highest)
% Gay Households: 1.2% (7th highest)
More on Audubon:
Source: Wikipedia User Augiejv | CC BY-SA 3.0
Households: 3,299
Gay Households: 35 (13th highest)
% Gay Households: 1.03% (8th highest)
More on Creston:Data
Households: 1,178
Gay Households: 6 (45th highest)
% Gay Households: 1.02% (9th highest)
More on Grundy Center:
Source: Public domain
Households: 2,627
Gay Households: 9 (38th highest)
% Gay Households: 0.69% (10th highest)
More on Maquoketa:Data
In order to rank the gayest cities in Iowa, we used Saturday Night Science and the 2013-2018 American Community Survey from the U.S.
Census. With supportive locals and businesses, Iowa rolls out the welcome mat for LGBTQ travelers seeking to explore its natural wonders and dynamic urban hubs.
Gayest places in Iowa research summary. Key points include:
There were 101 total crimes in North Liberty in the last reporting year.
The overall crime rate per 100,000 people in North Liberty is 466.8 / 100k people.
The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in North Liberty is 69.3 / 100k people.
The property crime rate per 100,000 people in North Liberty is 397.5 / 100k people.
Overall, crime in North Liberty is -77.97% below the national average.
101
Total Crimes
-77.97%
Below National Average
| Statistic | Count Raw | North Liberty / 100k People | Iowa / 100k People | National / 100k People |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crimes Per 100K | 101 | 466.8 | 1,540.0 | 2,119.2 |
| Violent Crime | 15 | 69.3 | 243.3 | 359.0 |
| Murder | 0 | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0.0 | 18.7 | 61.0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 11 | 50.8 | 187.2 | 256.0 |
| Property Crime | 86 | 397.5 | 1,296.8 | 1,760.0 |
| Burglary | 20 | 92.4 | 199.1 | 229.0 |
| Larceny | 58 | 268.1 | 962.6 | 1,272.0 |
| Car Theft | 8 | 37.0 | 135.1 | 259.0 |
Cost of living in North Liberty summary. We use data on the cost of living to determine how expensive it is to live in North Liberty.
It is a "bedroom" community with a rapidly growing population. 1st, Iowa Pride Ensembles ($2,500), 2nd, Glitter Factory DSM ($1,500), 3rd Bing's ($1,000), and Audience Choice Award, Iowa Pride Ensembles ($720).
grants for iowa businesses
In partnership with the NGLCC, GrubHub, and PFund Foundation, the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce helped 14 LGBTQ- ,BIPOC-, and allied-owned small businesses in Iowa receive $65,000 in grants to grow their businesses.
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE MEMORANDUM
On June 11, 2024, the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce signed a Strategic Alliance Memorandum with the SBA Iowa District Office to increase awareness and help small businesses access SBA resources for training and support.
REGIONAL & STATEWIDE EVENTS
In 2024, the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce hosted 34 member and public events including business mixers, coffee connections, regional launches and roundtables.
It has a wide spectrum of economics, which makes it a great place to learn about people, and gives plenty of opportunity to help others or be helped. We used Saturday Night Science to research the cities in Iowa with the highest percent of same-sex households for 2025. 2.43% of households in North Liberty are gay.
The city in Iowa with the most same-sex houesholds is Des Moines with 414 gay households.
Iowa is the 45th most gay in the United States.
Table Of Contents:Top Ten | Methodology | Summary | Table
An estimated 4.7% of Iowa residents are gay.
That means there are a total of 113,600 gay households in The Hawkeye State.
Our goal with this post is to use Saturday Night Science and data to determine the gayest cities in Iowa.
After analyzing 137 cities with over 1,000 households, we’ve determined these are The Gayest Cities in Iowa for 2025.
What’s the gayest place in Iowa?
Cash Awards for Business and Nonprofit Pitch Winners
On June 26, 2025, the Chamber held it's first Pitch with Pride event co-sponsored by Wells Fargo and Krause Group. We looked at:
We limited the analysis to non-CDPs that have over 1,000 households.
We ranked each place from 1 to 137 with the city containing the highest percentage of unmarried, same sex partners households being the most gay.
In the end, ended up being the the most gay place with 2.43% gay households.
Skip to the end to see the list of all the places in the state from gayest to straighest.
We updated this report for 2025.
This report is our tenth time ranking the gayest places in Iowa.
Most Expensive Places To Live In Iowa
If you’re looking at the number of gay households in Iowa, this is an accurate list.
The gayest cities in Iowa are .
If you’re curious enough, here are the least gay places in Iowa:
For more Iowa reading, check out:
| Rank | City | Households | % Gay Households |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Liberty | 7,075 | 2.43% |
| 2 | Carlisle | 1,547 | 1.81% |
| 3 | Sergeant Bluff | 1,779 | 1.69% |
| 4 | Belmond | 1,111 | 1.44% |
| 5 | Bondurant | 1,992 | 1.41% |
| 6 | Windsor Heights | 2,160 | 1.3% |
| 7 | Audubon | 1,003 | 1.2% |
| 8 | Creston | 3,299 | 1.03% |
| 9 | Grundy Center | 1,178 | 1.02% |
| 10 | Maquoketa | 2,627 | 0.69% |
| 11 | Des Moines | 84,140 | 0.62% |
| 12 | Ankeny | 22,085 | 0.61% |
| 13 | Keokuk | 4,312 | 0.6% |
| 14 | Mason City | 12,370 | 0.52% |
| 15 | Sioux City | 31,244 | 0.51% |
| 16 | Atlantic | 3,224 | 0.5% |
| 17 | Iowa City | 29,975 | 0.39% |
| 18 | Grimes | 4,493 | 0.36% |
| 19 | Robins | 1,193 | 0.34% |
| 20 | Ames | 25,243 | 0.32% |
| 21 | Marion | 15,805 | 0.32% |
| 22 | Fort Dodge | 9,903 | 0.28% |
| 23 | Waterloo | 28,550 | 0.27% |
| 24 | Cedar Rapids | 54,431 | 0.2% |
| 25 | Urbandale | 16,726 | 0.17% |
| 26 | West Des Moines | 27,704 | 0.11% |
| 27 | Bettendorf | 13,986 | 0.1% |
| 28 | Davenport | 40,273 | 0.07% |
| 29 | Council Bluffs | 24,816 | 0.07% |
| 30 | Dubuque | 23,926 | 0.07% |
| 31 | Adel | 1,718 | 0.0% |
| 32 | Le Claire | 1,484 | 0.0% |
| 33 | Marengo | 1,144 | 0.0% |
| 34 | Charles City | 3,318 | 0.0% |
| 35 | Perry | 2,971 | 0.0% |
| 36 | Newton | 6,366 | 0.0% |
| 37 | Williamsburg | 1,405 | 0.0% |
| 38 | Glenwood | 1,881 | 0.0% |
| 39 | Jesup | 1,052 | 0.0% |
| 40 | Belle Plaine | 1,055 | 0.0% |
| 41 | Fort Madison | 4,370 | 0.0% |
| 42 | Independence | 2,526 | 0.0% |
| 43 | Albia | 1,639 | 0.0% |
| 44 | New Hampton | 1,562 | 0.0% |
| 45 | Washington | 3,062 | 0.0% |
| 46 | Eldridge | 2,349 | 0.0% |
| 47 | Madrid | 1,039 | 0.0% |
| 48 | Indianola | 6,108 | 0.0% |
| 49 | Nevada | 2,759 | 0.0% |
| 50 | Missouri Valley | 1,222 | 0.0% |
| 51 | Tipton | 1,305 | 0.0% |
| 52 | Tiffin | 1,190 | 0.0% |
| 53 | Pleasant Hill | 3,652 | 0.0% |
| 54 | Chariton | 1,877 | 0.0% |
| 55 | Wilton | 1,196 | 0.0% |
| 56 | Norwalk | 4,130 | 0.0% |
| 57 | Polk City | 1,452 | 0.0% |
| 58 | Hampton | 1,734 | 0.0% |
| 59 | Hawarden | 1,016 | 0.0% |
| 60 | Kalona | 1,017 | 0.0% |
| 61 | Dyersville | 1,852 | 0.0% |
| 62 | Waukon | 1,791 | 0.0% |
| 63 | Huxley | 1,319 | 0.0% |
| 64 | Waukee | 7,603 | 0.0% |
| 65 | Altoona | 6,448 | 0.0% |
| 66 | Monticello | 1,688 | 0.0% |
| 67 | Johnston | 8,151 | 0.0% |
| 68 | West Liberty | 1,286 | 0.0% |
| 69 | Vinton | 2,069 | 0.0% |
| 70 | Mount Vernon | 1,243 | 0.0% |
| 71 | Boone | 5,322 | 0.0% |
| 72 | Manchester | 2,151 | 0.0% |
| 73 | Oelwein | 2,657 | 0.0% |
| 74 | Coralville | 7,976 | 0.0% |
| 75 | Winterset | 2,136 | 0.0% |
| 76 | Knoxville | 3,248 | 0.0% |
| 77 | Carter Lake | 1,356 | 0.0% |
| 78 | Bloomfield | 1,148 | 0.0% |
| 79 | Decorah | 2,729 | 0.0% |
| 80 | Clive | 6,618 | 0.0% |
| 81 | Waverly | 3,649 | 0.0% |
| 82 | Spencer | 5,013 | 0.0% |
| 83 | Le Mars | 4,142 | 0.0% |
| 84 | Clarion | 1,218 | 0.0% |
| 85 | Clarinda | 2,043 | 0.0% |
| 86 | Osage | 1,649 | 0.0% |
| 87 | Iowa Falls | 2,203 | 0.0% |
| 88 | Grinnell | 3,708 | 0.0% |
| 89 | West Burlington | 1,248 | 0.0% |
| 90 | Eldora | 1,007 | 0.0% |
| 91 | Cresco | 1,634 | 0.0% |
| 92 | Forest City | 1,632 | 0.0% |
| 93 | Cherokee | 2,299 | 0.0% |
| 94 | Spirit Lake | 2,535 | 0.0% |
| 95 | Algona | 2,573 | 0.0% |
| 96 | Pella | 3,958 | 0.0% |
| 97 | Storm Lake | 3,544 | 0.0% |
| 98 | Fairfield | 3,840 | 0.0% |
| 99 | Carroll | 4,434 | 0.0% |
| 100 | Sheldon | 2,166 | 0.0% |