8 Safest Towns In Iowa For Senior Living

Iowa contains a number of factors that make it an ideal place for seniors to live, especially for those who are retired. It boasts a number of small towns that have charming atmospheres, relatively small populations, and activities that seniors are likely to find engaging. It is also one of the more affordable states to live in within the United States, making it an ideal consideration for those living on any type of fixed income. With those parameters in mind, below are 8 towns that rank among the highest in terms of safety and comfort for seniors in Iowa.

Cherokee

Cherokee, Iowa, is a small suburban town that has become popular among senior citizens and retirees over the last several years. It is known for its hospitable nature and small-town ambiance, which many find inviting. The town averages around six serious crimes per year. The median home value is under $152,000, making the area very affordable as well. Cherokee Regional Medical Center is a close drive to get to and from most places within the town. Popular activities within the area include going to the Sanford Museum & Planetarium and Spring Lake Park.

Cresco

Cresco, Iowa, is well-known within the state as being a popular living choice for seniors, especially retirees. The reason for this is that the town offers a combination of amenities that many seniors would find to be ideal. Across a two-year period, the town notably had very few violent crimes take place. In terms of hospitals, Regional Health Services of Howard County is easily accessible from within the area. The medium home value is slightly above $384,400, making it a very affordable area to live in. Popular activities among residents include visiting the Norman Borlaug Heritage Foundation and the Cresco Theatre And Opera House.

Decorah

Decorah, Iowa, is, in many ways, the quintessential small town that so many seniors grew up in or spent time in during their youth. As such, it has become a popular choice among many retirees to live in. In terms of crime, rates are significantly lower than national and state-wide crime rates. The average home value is also under $369,000, which is less than the national average. Winnmed is a respected local regional medical facility that is easy for residents to get to when needed. Dunnings Spring Park and the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum are popular attractions within the town.

Fairfield

For seniors who are looking for a safe and affordable place to live with a lot of activities available to them, Fairfield, Iowa, is a place that should be near the top of their prospective list. The town has a noticeably low crime rate, with few crimes occurring in the last two years. If a medical situation arises, the Jefferson County Health Center is nearby and is highly regarded within the area. The median home value for the area is less than $200,000. Popular activities within the area include visiting the Maharishi Vedic Observatory and the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center.

Humboldt

Humboldt, Iowa, boasts a stellar combination of safety, serenity, and affordability, making it one of the most ideal places to retire within the state of Iowa. Within a several-year period, the town had less than ten serious incidents take place. Additionally, the Humboldt County Memorial Hospital is nearby, making it easy to access medical care if needed. The average home price for the area is under $500,000. The town also offers a number of exciting activities for seniors. These include hiking on the Three Rivers Trail or visiting the TractorLift Brewery. There is also a movie theater in town for those who are film lovers as well.

Spirit Lake

Spirit Lake, Iowa, is a small town in Iowa that takes its name from a prominent local lake nearby. It has a number of qualities that would likely be appealing to many seniors. It is a safe area with a lower crime rate than the state. Lakes Regional Healthcare is the closest hospital, and it won awards for patient care in 2022 and 2024. A majority of the homes in the area cost less than $300,000. Activities that are popular within the town include going to Spirit Lake, Great Lakes Mall, and the Dickinson County Museum.

Shenandoah

Shenandoah, Iowa, offers a fun and welcoming combination of affordability, history and culture, and small-town charm in an affordable environment. The town is also considerably safe, with less than 30 crimes in 2023. Additionally, the median home value is under $160,000, putting it well under the national average. Shenandoah Medical Center is a respected and nearby regional medical center. The Greater Shenandoah Historical Society Museum and the childhood home of the Everly Brothers are popular locales within the area.

Tipton

Tipton, Iowa, offers residents a quiet and relaxed small-town feeling that is also affordable to live in as well. As for its crime rate, Tipton averages around six violent crimes per year. The median home value is less than $189,000, making it very affordable when compared with the United States as a whole. Mercy Iowa City is the nearest hospital and won awards for America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Outpatient Joint Replacement Award in 2024 and 2025. For those looking for things to do, consider visiting the Buchanan House Winery or the James Kennedy Aquatic Center.

There are many small towns in Iowa that offer an ideal environment for seniors to live in. This is due to a combination of ambiance, activities, and affordability, along with low crime rates and having many hospitals within the state. Because the state is popular among retirees as a whole, it has taken many steps to address the greater needs of the senior population. As such, seniors who are considering relocation may find that Iowa is an ideal place for them.