Homeowners Insurance in Iowa
The average Iowa homeowners premium is $1,342 a year (NAIC) — ▼ −23% versus the U.S. average of $1,737, ranking 34th of 51.
Average homeowners and renters insurance in Iowa
NAIC averages cover standard owner-occupied (HO-3) policies. Premiums scale with the cost to rebuild, so Iowa's median home value of $208,000 and its exposure to wind, hail and wildfire explain much of the difference from other states.
Natural hazard risk in Iowa
| Hazard | Expected loss rating | Score | Expected annual loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hail | 90.6 | $128,836,337 | |
| Tornado | 79.3 | $353,992,600 | |
| Hurricane | 19.6 | $236,624 | |
| Inland (river) flooding | 48.2 | $724,556,676 | |
| Coastal flooding | — | — | |
| Wildfire | 39.2 | $4,546,449 | |
| Earthquake | 16.1 | $7,852,050 | |
| Winter weather | 67.9 | $12,485,178 | |
| Strong wind | 88.7 | $124,418,593 | |
| Lightning | 38.5 | $16,638,181 |
Standard homeowners policies exclude flood and earthquake; both need separate coverage. Wind and hurricane damage is covered but often with a separate percentage deductible in coastal states.
Home Insurance Estimator
Estimated homeowners insurance by city
For a home at each city's median value, standard frame construction and a $1,000 deductible. The lowest estimate is in Davenport ($1,125) and the highest in Ankeny ($1,985).
| City | Median home value | Median year built | Hail / wind | Est. premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $194,700 | 1961 | Relatively High / Very High | $1,295 |
| Cedar Rapids | $187,100 | 1974 | Relatively High / Very High | $1,230 |
| Davenport | $166,400 | 1967 | Relatively High / Relatively High | $1,125 |
| Sioux City | $173,600 | 1957 | Relatively High / Relatively High | $1,165 |
| Ankeny | $331,000 | 2006 | Relatively High / Very High | $1,985 |
| Iowa City | $285,900 | 1985 | Relatively High / Very High | $1,705 |
| West Des Moines | $309,000 | 1994 | Relatively High / Very High | $1,875 |
| Ames | $277,400 | 1992 | Relatively Moderate / Relatively Moderate | $1,535 |
Frequently asked questions
How much is homeowners insurance in Iowa?
NAIC data puts the average Iowa homeowners (HO-3) premium at $1,342 a year, ranking 34th of 51 (1 = most expensive). The national average is $1,737.
How much is renters insurance in Iowa?
The NAIC average renters (HO-4) premium in Iowa is $142 a year.
What natural hazards affect home insurance in Iowa?
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Iowa relatively high or very high for expected annual losses from tornado, winter weather, and strong wind. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood and earthquake, which need separate coverage.
Does homeowners insurance cover floods in Iowa?
No. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Flood coverage is sold separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers.
How we estimate this
We start from the NAIC average homeowners (HO-3) premium for the state, scale it by the ratio of the home value to the state median home value (Census ACS), adjust for construction type and deductible, and apply a hazard factor from FEMA National Risk Index scores for the county relative to the state. Results are rounded estimates, not quotes. Read the full methodology.
- NAIC Dwelling Fire, Homeowners Owner-Occupied, and Homeowners Tenant and Condominium/Cooperative Unit Owner's Insurance Report: Data for 2023 (July 2026), Tables 4 and 5 (HO-3 and HO-4 average premiums)
- FEMA National Risk Index (state and county hazard ratings)
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (home values, year built)
- National Flood Insurance Program