Council Bluffs: The Data Profile (2026)

Council Bluffs presents a distinct economic proposition in the post-remote era. With a population of 62,564, it functions as a satellite urban center to the larger Omaha metro, offering a cost-of-living index heavily weighted toward affordability. The median income sits at $64,092, which is 14.1% lower than the US median of $74,580. However, this income disparity is offset significantly by a cost-of-living index where housing is 12.7% below the national average. The educational attainment rate is 21.7% holding bachelor's degrees, well below the US average of 33.1%, indicating a workforce skewed toward trade and service sectors rather than the tech-heavy demographics found in major coastal hubs.

The statistical target demographic for Council Bluffs is the "Cost-Conscious Hybrid Professional." This profile includes individuals and families who retain 1-2 remote work days per week but require physical access to a regional economic hub. The data suggests the city is optimized for those prioritizing housing purchasing power over maximizing raw salary potential.

Cost of Living Analysis

The financial advantage in Council Bluffs is most acute in service and utility sectors. Healthcare costs are 18.7% lower than the national average, and restaurant prices follow the same 18.7% discount. While groceries and transport align closely with the US average at 95.2, the outlier is electricity, currently priced at 13.4 cents/kWh compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $64,092 takes home approximately $4,050/month after taxes. With a total living cost of $2,441, this leaves a disposable income of $1,609/month. This is 40% of net income, significantly higher than the 25% average in high-cost coastal cities.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Council Bluffs is the primary driver of relocation appeal. The Median Home Price is estimated at $195,000, which is 195k vs US ~390k, representing a roughly 50% discount on asset acquisition compared to the national average. Price per Square Foot sits at $130.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buying vs. Renting Analysis:
The "break-even" point for buying vs. renting in Council Bluffs favors buying aggressively. With a monthly mortgage payment on a $195,000 home (assuming 20% down and 6.5% rate) hovering around $1,240/month (including taxes/insurance), it falls between the $971 1BR rent and $1,562 3BR rent. Given the -50% asset discount, buying is statistically the superior wealth-building vehicle for anyone planning to stay 3+ years.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Council Bluffs has a unique economic relationship with its neighbor, Omaha. In 2026, the "Return to Office" (RTO) mandate has stabilized, but Council Bluffs offers a buffer. With a commute time averaging 18 minutes to downtown Omaha (approx. 8 miles), residents can access higher-paying Omaha salaries while paying Council Bluffs housing costs.

Unemployment Rate Analysis:
The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is 0.5% lower than the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a tight labor market where labor demand exceeds supply, particularly in the healthcare, logistics, and insurance sectors that dominate the local economy.

Quality of Life Audit

While the economics are favorable, the health data presents a complex picture. The overall Health Score is 77.1/100, categorized as "Good," but risk factors are elevated. Obesity rates are 40.0%, significantly higher than the US average of 31.9%, and smoking rates are 18.4% vs a national 14.0%.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Crime: Violent crime is estimated at 280 per 100k (slightly above US avg 230), while Property crime is 1,800 per 100k (slightly above US avg 1,650). Standard urban precautions are required.
• Air Quality: AQI is 45 (Good) and PM2.5 is 7.5 µg/m³. This is cleaner than the national average, a benefit of the river valley airflow and lack of heavy industrial density.
• Schools: The Council Bluffs Community School District has a graduation rate of 84%, lower than the national average of 88%. However, neighboring districts in the metro area perform significantly better.
• Weather: Currently 28.0°F and sunny. Winters are harsh (average Jan low 15°F) and summers are hot/humid (average July high 88°F).

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: With a median home price of $195,000, the barrier to entry for homeownership is roughly 50% lower than the national average.
• Job Stability: An unemployment rate of 3.5% indicates a robust local economy.
• Disposable Income: The combination of lower taxes and housing costs allows for a disposable income margin of roughly $1,600/month for median earners.

Cons:

• Health Risks: High obesity (40.0%) and smoking (18.4%) rates suggest a local culture that may not support active lifestyle goals.
• Salary Cap: Median income is $64,092, which is $10,488 below the national average. Career mobility in local industries may be limited compared to major metros.
• Crime: Both violent and property crime rates sit slightly above the national average.

Recommendation:
Relocate to Council Bluffs if: You are a "Hybrid Professional" earning a salary of $75,000+ (likely via remote work or a cross-border Omaha commute) and your primary goal is aggressive asset accumulation (buying a home).

Avoid Council Bluffs if: You are a single-income household relying on local wages alone, or if you prioritize a highly educated peer group and a robust cultural/nightlife scene.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Council Bluffs?
For a single person to live comfortably (including savings and leisure), a salary of $60,000 is recommended. For a family of four, $95,000 provides a similar standard of living.

2. How does the value compare to Omaha?
Council Bluffs offers roughly 15-20% lower housing costs than Omaha, though Omaha salaries are typically 10-15% higher. The "sweet spot" is living in Bluffs while working in Omaha.

3. Are the safety statistics concerning?
While crime rates are slightly above the national average, they are concentrated in specific pockets. The violent crime rate of 280 per 100k is manageable for standard urban residents but is a statistical outlier compared to rural towns.

4. Is the current weather typical?
Yes. At 28.0°F, this is standard winter weather. Expect temperatures to swing from -10°F in January to 95°F in July. Seasonal affective disorder is a consideration for those moving from warmer climates.