What are the best areas for daycare in Iowa?

The top-rated areas for daycare in Iowa are ZIP 51054 (score: 100/100), ZIP 52411 (score: 100/100), ZIP 52068 (score: 100/100). Rankings are based on walkability, median household income, population density, and existing competition.

What makes a good location for daycare?

A strong location for daycare combines high walkability (foot traffic), solid median income (spending power), sufficient population density, and manageable competition. Our opportunity score weighs all four factors on a 0–100 scale.

How does Iowa compare to other states for daycare?

Iowa averages 92/100 across 20 scored ZIP codes — rated a excellent market. Scores factor in walkability, income, population, and competition.

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Best Cities for Daycare Costs in Iowa

← Iowa Overview

Top 20 ZIP codes ranked by opportunity score. Score combines walkability (foot traffic), population density, median income, and daycare centers competition.

The top markets here average $115,761 in household income, with 18.0 existing daycare centers per ZIP. ZIP 51054 leads at 100, $121,228 median income, zero existing daycare centers.

80–100 Excellent 60–79 Good 40–59 Fair <40 Challenging

Sort by:

#	ZIP Code	Score	Walkability	Median Income	Daycare Centers
#1	ZIP 51054 Pop. 5.6 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$121,228	0
#2	ZIP 52411 Pop. 8.4 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$164,972	0
#3	ZIP 52068 Pop. 4.6 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$123,096	0
#4	ZIP 50013 Pop. 4.2 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	—	0
#5	ZIP 52242 Pop. 4.4 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	—	0
#6	ZIP 52338 Pop. 3.9 Thousand	98 Excellent	—	$124,357	0
#7	ZIP 52228 Pop. 3.9 Thousand	98 Excellent	—	$121,366	0
#8	ZIP 52314 Pop. 6 Thousand	92 Excellent	—	$106,667	0
#9	ZIP 50109 Pop. 3.4 Thousand	92 Excellent	—	$130,263	0
#10	ZIP 50047 Pop. 6.6 Thousand	90 Excellent	—	$101,345	0
#11	ZIP 52726 Pop. 4.9 Thousand	90 Excellent	—	$101,667	0
#12	ZIP 50643 Pop. 3.1 Thousand	88 Excellent	—	$120,724	0
#13	ZIP 52753 Pop. 6.1 Thousand	88 Excellent	—	$100,122	0
#14	ZIP 50023 Pop. 45 Thousand	88 Excellent	—	$113,914	18
#15	ZIP 50261 Pop. 3.1 Thousand	88 Excellent	—	$150,341	0
#16	ZIP 50156 Pop. 4.4 Thousand	88 Excellent	—	$97,298	0
#17	ZIP 50648 Pop. 4.1 Thousand	86 Excellent	—	$96,081	0
#18	ZIP 52328 Pop. 2.9 Thousand	86 Excellent	—	$132,833	0
#19	ZIP 50248 Pop. 4.3 Thousand	82 Excellent	—	$88,333	0
#20	ZIP 50324 Pop. 5.2 Thousand	82 Excellent	—	$89,083	0

Data updated March 2026. Sources: Census Bureau ACS 2023, USDA National Walkability Index 2021, County Business Patterns 2022.

What the Data Shows

Opportunity is spread across Iowa, not locked in one metro. The top ZIPs average $115,761 in household income. The common thread: daycare demand that outpaces supply. These markets have room.

How to Use This Table

Click any ZIP for a full breakdown: demographics, nearby competition, and walkability score. The opportunity score weights income, foot traffic, and competition equally. If your concept skews upscale, sort by Income. If lunch crowds matter more, sort by Walkability.

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